Pep Guardiola: I'm coming to the Premier League, and have 'several offers'

Guardiola was speaking for the first time since it was announced that he will leave Bayern at the end of the season, completing his three-year contract.

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"The reason I have not extended my contract is simple," Guardiola said. "I want to manage in the Premier League.

And the Catalan, who won 14 trophies in four seasons with Barcelona, says he was attracted by the chance to manage in England.

"When I have a new club, the club will communicate that. At the moment, I can't say anything else because nothing is fixed."

Manchester City are thought to be the leading contenders to land Guardiola, although Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

Intriguingly, Guardiola says he has had numerous offers from Premier League clubs.

"I have several offers from England," he said, "but I haven't signed anything yet."

Guardiola has ruled out bringing Bayern's best players to England when he does land at his new club. Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski would likely be popular targets given their electric form this season.

“I will not take any players. They have to stay here.”

Guardiola is being replaced by former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season and has backed the Italian to be a success.

However, he first wants to sign off by bringing the Champions League trophy to Bayern.

"Coaches come and go but I think Carlo Ancelotti is a perfect choice to take over and I wish him the very best," Guardiola said.

"The squad won trophies under [Jupp] Heyckes and for me too. They'll be successful with Ancelotti in charge as well. With a Champions League win, my time here is complete."

Football's worst-kept secret is out: Pep Guardiola will be managing in England next season. And although this comes as no surprise, it is still an exciting prospect for a league which already has huge names like Arsene Wenger. Jurgen Klopp and Louis van Gaal working in it. Manuel Pellegrini too, although maybe not come the summer when Guardiola does make his move. Manchester City remains his most likely destination although the decision to talk about "several offers" without revealing his final destination does reek a bit of attention-seeking, a la LeBron James before finally announcing his decision to join the Miami Heat with the words "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach" live on TV.

Guardiola's refusal to reveal his choice of club is either because the decision has not been taken or he does not want to embarrass the current incumbent. But having talked of his job offers from the Premier League, it is hardly difficult to work out which clubs have made an approach. Pellegrini will be shifting a bit more uneasily in his chair today - that is if he hasn't already accepted the inevitable.