Manchester City have reportedly started preparing for Pep Guardiola's departure with fears emerging that the Spaniard may leave the club at the end of this season.

Guardiola joined City in 2016 after leaving Bayern Munich but has never stayed in one job for more than four seasons, a milestone he will reach at the end of this term.

According to The Mirror, City have begun making arrangements for his potential exit, although it is reported that Guardiola may be open to extending his contract beyond 2021.

The report states that the club fear the 48-year-old might walk away from the job if they are able to win the Champions League this season, a trophy he has only won with Barcelona.

The arrangements reportedly involve recruiting a new backroom member of staff who would work closely with the first team squad, and would become more hands-on in their approach if Guardiola was to leave.

Manchester City currently sit third in the Premier League table but are 14 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.