PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly ready to snub the chance to become Italy’s new boss.
The six-time Premier League title winner, 55, has been assessing his options after quitting Manchester City at the end of last season.
Pep Guardiola has held talks over taking the Italy job Credit: PA
The Spaniard is a free agent after leaving Manchester City Credit: PA
And Guardiola held talks with Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini over moving into international management for the first time.
But the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich chief appears to have made a decision on his future.
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Gazzetta dello Sport report Guardiola is set to reject Italy’s advances after failing to agree personal terms.
The Spaniard is demanding a deal which would see him pocket an eye-watering £17MILLION-a-year.
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But the Italian FA, who have been prepared to break the bank in order to land their top target, have only offered £8.5m-per-year.
Maldini, 58, admitted to having “little optimism” about tempting Guardiola after their discussions.
Italian FA president Giovanni Malago also conceded they were facing an uphill battle to get the deal over the line.
He said: “Financial exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.
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Guardiola has made huge salary demands Credit: Getty
“Exceptions that I am not here to explain, for obvious reasons. But it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
Man City legend Guardiola bagged 20 trophies during a glittering decade-long spell in the Etihad Stadium dugout.
And Italy were hoping to persuade him to make a quickfire return to management after they missed out on World Cup qualification.
Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also in the running to take charge of the Azzurri.
Roberto Mancini is an alternative candidate Credit: Getty
Andrea Pirlo is another name in the running Credit: Getty
Italy Under-21s supremo Silvio Baldini has been in temporary charge after Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April.
Malago and Maldini are plotting to make an appointment before the next international break.
