It is “increasingly possible” that Pep Guardiola will sign a contract extension with Manchester City, according to The Athletic reporter Sam Lee.

The journalist claims that, until recently, it was widely assumed within the club that the Catalan would leave the Etihad when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

However, there appears to have been a change of heart, with there now being optimism that Guardiola could pen to paper to extend his stay at City.

Lee says a decision is expected “sooner rather than later” to give other staff at the club time to make plans depending on Guardiola’s decision.

Considering that the 53-year-old signed his last two contacts with the Cityzens in November, there are plenty of eyes fixed on the next international break for a potential announcement.

What may have changed Guardiola’s plans to leave?

A couple of factors have potentially played a role. City’s poor form could actually have made Guardiola more determined to stay and put things right. His comments after the 4-1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon midweek seem to suggest that this is the case but that could be reading too much into things.

Another factor is Guardiola’s desire to manage a national team. There is a general feeling that he wants to coach a country at the 2030 World Cup but that cycle will only begin after the 2026 edition in North America.

Brazil are the likeliest candidate at the moment, with it being claimed that their football federation has already contacted Guardiola several times this year alone.

What does this all mean for City?

If Guardiola does decide to stay, it will give the club greater stability. It may galvanise the team and ensure they make a concerted effort to secure another Premier League title.

Of course, it will not be good news for rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal who have repeatedly failed to get the better of Guardiola in previous title battles.