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Pep Guardiola issue instantly emerges as Man United close on Mauricio Pochettino agreement

Manchester United are set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach to replace Michael Carrick, but an issue involving Pep Guardiola has now emerged

Pep Guardiola sitting in the Etihad Stadium stands

The expectation is that US Soccer will pursue Pep Guardiola to replace Mauricio Pochettino(Image: Martin Rickett/the Press Association)

Pep Guardiola's lack of interest in returning to management could affect Manchester United's decision to appoint Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Manchester City manager has reportedly been discussed internally at the United States Soccer Federation and is expected to be their top target to replace Pochettino. However, it would be far from straightforward to tempt Guardiola to end his sabbatical, as the Italian Football Federation found out this summer, with the Catalan coach taking time away from the game for family reasons.

US Soccer having a replacement ready would ease Pochettino's departure. United, however, can pay his £7.5million ($10million) release clause.

The Athletic reports that the federation would look to lure Guardiola into international management. Italy tried and failed to do that in July, with their federation's president telling La Repubblica: "Pep was honest. He took a sabbatical, partly for family reasons, but if he'd done anything, he would have done it with us."

Guardiola represented Brescia and Roma in Italy during the latter stages of his playing career. However, he also has a connection to the United States, despite never having worked there.

He spent a year's sabbatical living in New York City after stepping down as Barcelona head coach.

There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.

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