Guardiola to succeed Pellegrini at City

Manuel Pellegrini (front) and his successor Pep Guardiola

PEP Guardiola will follow Manuel Pellegrini as manager next season, Manchester City have announced.

The club's surprise statement ends considerable speculation linking them with outgoing Bayern Munich boss Guardiola and over Pellegrini's future.

Guardiola will take over from the start of the 2016-17 season, having agreed a three-year contract with the club. A statement from City reads: "Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 2016-17 EPL season onwards.

"The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions were curtailed in 2012.

"Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation. Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club."