The vice-president of the Brazilian FA has claimed that Pep Guardiola has given his approval to taking control of the team in the future.
Guardiola is in the final year of his contract with City and has offered a handful of cryptic responses when asked if he plans to extend - 90min understands the Premier League champions are hopeful an agreement will be struck before the end of the calendar year.
As of yet, Guardiola's next move remains a mystery. He would have no shortage of suitors if he did choose to leave City, with Brazil known to be among the admirers of the Spaniard.
Brazil have made offers to Guardiola in the past and FA vice-president Francisco Novelletto Neto has claimed that the boss actually gave his approval to managing Brazil three years ago, only for financial issues to get in the way.
"About three years ago, we came into contact with Guardiola, we spoke to his agent," Neto told Radio Grenal. "He said he would accept coaching the Brazilian national team.
"However, his salary is €24m. A colleague of mine who sought the information almost had a heart attack. We suggested a basic salary of €2m. He suggested €24m, not counting all the 'plus more', because he would have to leave his country to come to Brazil and could ask for up to €30m."
For now, City remain hopeful that they will be able to strike a deal with Guardiola to remain at the Etihad for a few more years, with plans also in place to take the Spaniard to New York City FC - City's sister club - at the manager's request.
Source : 90min