Manchester City legend Richard Dunne has named Vincent Kompany as his preferred candidate to take over from Pep Guardiola when the Catalan coach leaves.
The former centre-back went on to insist that City fans would love to see the Belgian return to the Etihad, where he played 360 times.
There is no indication that Guardiola is leaving City anytime soon, though, having signed a contract extension last season by two years.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Pep Guardiola signed a contract extension at City last season that will see him at the club until 2027
| PAIt means the Spaniard's contract will now expire in 2027 while he has not ruled out staying further.
"I have two more years, maybe I'll extend two more years. So the question is when I will stop in this year or in two years, or in four years, I will take a break. But now I feel fine, I would say," he said this week.
JUST IN: Eddie Howe issues comeback plea to Alexander Isak but sends stark warning ahead of Liverpool clash
However, whenever Guardiola finally does call it a day at the Etihad - there appears to be only one choice on who to replace him.
Currently in charge of European juggernauts Bayern Munich, Kompany would be the obvious choice as Guardiola's successor.
It is a viewpoint that ex-City captain Dunne adheres to, insisting that the decision would be a "no-brainer".
Speaking to Betway, Dunne said: "The way the people and fans respect [Kompany] and love him at the club, he would certainly be welcomed to come in.
"It does come down to a bit of experience, which Vincent is getting at Bayern Munich, and hopefully will be successful there over the next couple of years.
"Then it becomes a bit of a no-brainer and is the man to replace Pep Guardiola.
"But like footballers, management seems to change quickly, and all of a sudden, after a couple of bad results for a manager and a couple of good results for another manager, things can change quickly."
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Vincent Kompany has been tipped to become the next City boss
| ReutersHowever, when it comes down to preference, Dunne would clearly have Guardiola stay in the role.
Dunne added: "I’m sure the club have already got in mind who they want next, and they'll be keeping a close eye on them.
"I'm sure though, once it comes around again, they'll try and convince Pep just to stay for another contract and get him to stay.
"He's been so good for the club, and he's such an important part of the future of Man City as well."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Harry Maguire declares he is going nowhere despite multiple approaches: 'I can't leave on any terms'
- Oliver Glasner admits it is 'no surprise' Eberechi Eze to leave as squad crisis looms over Crystal Palace
- Serena Williams shows off remarkable body transformation after shedding 31 pounds with new drug
Vincent Kompany managed Burnley for two years before Bayern Munich hired him
|PA
Kompany started his managerial career six years ago in 2019 when he took charge of boyhood club Anderlecht as player-manager but after starting with two defeats and two draws, who stepped down from the coaching role.
However, after retiring from football a year later, the former Belgium international was given another crack at the whip, coaching them for two years before joining Burnley in 2022 while they were in the Championship.
After leading them to promotion in his first season in charge, the Clarets were immediately sent back down in one year in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Bayern Munich took a punt on the 39-year-old, where he led them to Bundesliga champions last season.