Bayern line up shock return for Guardiola (SportBild)

Pep Guardiola is heading Bayern Munich's shortlist of replacements for Niko Kovac, according to reports in Germany.

The Bundesliga giants are also believed to be monitoring Thomas Tuchel and Erik ten Hag, but it is the Manchester City boss who tops the bill.

Guardiola's contract runs out at the Etihad in 2021, but Bayern are hoping to persuade him to return to the Allianz Arena next summer, four years after first leaving Bavaria.

Only a few months ago Guardiola visited Bayern's training ground and the directors, according to SportBild.

He still owns a flat in the city centre and his family felt at home there. It's claimed that they are not keen on Manchester, and are now living in Spain again.

Bayern's bosses are convinced that Guardiola is unhappy at City, having broken his three-year rule in his attempt to win the club's first Champions League title.

Guardiola felt it was a mistake to stay for a fourth year at Barcelona and only stayed for three during his spell in charge of Bayern between 2013 and 2016.

When he left the club three years ago he promised that he would return, saying: 'I will come back here, to Germany - maybe as a coach.'

Bayern are now determined to plan ahead, with president Ulie Hoeness stressing that they are looking for a 'long-term solution'.