Enzo Maresca is reportedly positioning himself as the next Manchester City manager, with the Italian tactician ready to step in if Pep Guardiola decides to leave the Etihad this summer.

According to insider reports, City have identified Maresca as their top choice to succeed Guardiola, who is entering the final year of his current contract. While Guardiola has repeatedly stated in press conferences that "he has a contract," there's growing speculation in Premier League circles that the Catalan boss could end his tenure a year early.

The uncertainty around Guardiola's future is compounded by the potential departures of long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, leading many to believe the 55-year-old might also seek a fresh challenge this summer.

Maresca, who was dismissed as Chelsea head coach on New Year's Day, has reportedly been so focused on the City job that he's ruled himself out of consideration for other managerial vacancies. Sources suggest the 46-year-old informed Chelsea's hierarchy about preliminary discussions with Manchester City regarding the succession plan.

City's shortlist of potential replacements is impressive, featuring Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany, and Como's Cesc Fabregas. However, Maresca sits firmly at the top of that list.

The timing is particularly intriguing, as Guardiola is understood to have taken some time off following the Carabao Cup final, leaving the door open for a potential summer departure that could reshape the Premier League landscape.