After Pep Guardiola hinted at leaving the club at the end of next season, Manchester City have reportedly identified the man who could be his replacement at the Etihad.
After the Citizens secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title triumph last week, the Spanish tactician stated that he is "closer to leaving than to staying".
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His admission came before his side's 2-1 loss to bitter rivals Manchester United on Saturday, which saw them lift the FA Cup trophy.
With his future at the club beyond June 2025 now uncertain, Football365 have reported that the Citizens have earmarked Girona boss Michel as the man to replace their current manager.
It has been suggested that the Sky Blues' hierarchy admire the LALIGA coach's tactical prowess, as well as his ability to nurture young talent.
It is believed they feel those characteristics are key to helping the club maintain what Guardiola has already put in place.
Michel took over at Girona in 2021, and guided them to promotion from the Spanish second tier in his first season.
The following campaign, the side finished 10th in LALIGA with 49 points.
Most recently, in the 2023/24 season, he led them to a third-place finish with 81 points, four behind Barcelona and 14 behind eventual league winners Real Madrid.
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While the 48-year-old has reportedly caught the eye of those at the Etihad, there are other candidates who have been shortlisted as potential Guardiola replacements, with the list believed to also include former Brighton Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, Germany's Julian Nagelsmann, and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
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