Maresca is top candidate if Guardiola does quit Manchester City this year

• Positive talks at City over the former Chelsea manager

• Guardiola called him ‘one of the best in the world’

Enzo Maresca is the leading candidate to take over at Manchester City as they prepare for the growing possibility of Pep Guardiola leaving at the end of the season.

Maresca has been out of work since departing Chelsea in January and it is understood there have been positive talks over him replacing his old mentor this summer. Guardiola has a year on his deal but City know they must be ready for the 55-year-old deciding this is the time to leave.