Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has suggested that Pep Guardiola may walk away from Manchester City within days.
Speaking on beIN Sport after City's derby defeat to Manchester United, Keys made the bold prediction that the Spanish manager's departure could be imminent.
"I think it's nailed on that he's gone at the end of the season," he said.
"But, do not rule out him leaving this week. This week.
"If he goes this week, [Enzo] Maresca will be in charge of the match against Wolves," Keys stated.
He added that while City would deny such claims, the idea of leaving is weighing on Guardiola's mind, insisting this time the signs should be taken seriously.
The 54-year-old has spent a decade at the Etihad, though his long-term future has been the subject of persistent speculation.
Five things to know about Man City boss Pep Guardiola | PA/GETTY
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has suggested that Pep Guardiola may walk away from Manchester City within days
|GETTY
Guardiola committed to a fresh two-year contract extension in November, tying him to the club until 2027, yet questions remain about whether he will see out the full term.
Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford marked City's fourth successive Premier League match without a victory.
The champions were thoroughly outclassed by their rivals and could consider themselves fortunate the margin of defeat was not greater.
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🗣️ "Do not rule out him leaving this week! If he goes this week, Maresca will be in charge for the match against Wolves."@richardajkeys on Pep Guardiola's @ManCity future.#beINPL #MCFC pic.twitter.com/H4vHJHgZtg
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Arsenal are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though they were unable to overcome Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Maresca has long been viewed as a natural heir to Guardiola at the Etihad, having previously served as a coach under the Spaniard during his time at City.
Reports indicate he held talks with the club before his dismissal from Chelsea.
The Italian departed Stamford Bridge earlier this month, with Liam Rosenior stepping into the role.
Whether Maresca could immediately take another position remains uncertain, given potential restrictions in his exit agreement with Chelsea.
When asked about City speculation in December, Maresca was dismissive.
Enzo Maresca could replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
|REUTERS
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know it's 100 per cent speculation. In this moment, there is no time for these kinds of things, first of all, because I have a contract here until 2029," he said.
Following the defeat at Old Trafford, Guardiola offered a candid assessment of his side's performance, accepting that United merited their victory.
"They were the better team," Guardiola admitted.
"They had something we did not have. I've come many times here. But today we were not the level required to win these types of games. We had that energy four days ago against Newcastle but not today."
The City boss refused to be overly critical of his players despite the disappointing result.
"It was not a bad performance. We didn't get the result. It happens. It was a football game and they were better," he concluded.