Bielsa lined up as Guardiola replacement?

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell will turn to Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa should Pep Guardiola depart, according to reports.

Speculation that Guardiola is considering leaving the reigning La Liga champions has been rife, with a move to another league or a year-long sabbatical believed to be under consideration for the former Barcelona captain.

Sport says Guardiola will remain with his current employers for at least one more season.

But AS believes that, should Guardiola indeed depart, the European champions and Rosell could move for former Argentina and Chile manager Bielsa.

Before Barcelona’s clash with Athletic Bilbao in November, Lionel Messi came out in praise for Argentine compatriot Bielsa, while Javier Mascherano and Alexis Sanchez are also believed to be fans of the 56-year-old.

Meanwhile, The Daily Express claims that Alex Ferguson sees Guardiola as his ideal successor at English Premier League champions Manchester United.