Guardiola considers Man City extension amid England reports

Carsley out of running for England job

Lee Carsley has been informed he will not be offered the England job, according to The Sun, following the widely reported news that the FA has identified Pep Guardiola as its dream target.

After agreeing to oversee England’s six games across the autumn, Carsley is set to return to his Under-21 role once the November internationals are over, and is said to have agreed with the FA’s decision “without complaint”.

The Sun adds: “SunSport’s revelation that Carsley had already been told the FA were looking elsewhere explains his seemingly bizarre comments after the Greece defeat that he would ‘hopefully be going back to the Under-21s.’

“Carsley has been criticised for failing to offer clarity but has earned the admiration of his FA bosses for attempting to give nothing away and keeping their recruitment plans secret.

“The FA have been sounding out potential candidates, including Guardiola, since Southgate resigned in July but have yet to hold formal talks with anyone.”

Guardiola ponders City extension

Amid reports Guardiola is an England target, the Manchester City boss is considering a 12-month extension on his current contract, which expires at the end of this season.

The Telegraph claims Guardiola has received approaches from three national teams this year, including England, with the Spaniard interested in one day taking on such a role, with money not a factor.

However, that may not be before 2026, should Guardiola sign a new deal at the Premier League champions.

The Telegraph adds: “Guardiola has not ruled out formally speaking to the FA about succeeding Gareth Southgate and England would be a strong option should he decide to leave club football. He also likes the country and its squad of players and wants to eventually coach at a World Cup.

“But neither will he be held to a deadline as he considers his future. It is said Guardiola could decide next week, next month or next year on his course of action.

“It also remains entirely possible that he will leave City when his contract ends and take another sabbatical – as he did when he quit Barcelona in 2012 and moved to New York.

“However, sources have tentatively suggested that the most likely scenario, at present, is that he signs another deal at City – albeit for just one more year. City would like him to sign for longer but would be delighted he if renews.

“That would take Guardiola up to 10 years – a complete decade – at City having joined in 2016 and he likes the idea of completing that period of time at the club.”

Napoli eye Chelsea ‘outcast’

Napoli are interested in signing Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell, reports The Sun.

Having signed Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay from Chelsea and Manchester United respectively in the summer, it is believed Napoli are once more interested in a Premier League player struggling for game-time at his current club.

Chilwell is expected to leave Chelsea in January, but Napoli would face competition for his signature.

The Sun adds: “Fulham, Palace and Ipswich are all monitoring the situation and could make their move in January as well.

“The England ace almost left Chelsea over the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge after failing to find a new club.

“But sources say the ex-Leicester City full-back is concerned about the lack of game-time he is likely to get in west London so is open to a move.

“Chelsea are also thought to be keen to explore the option of letting Chilwell leave as they grapple with the demands of trying to manage a massive squad.”

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