Premier League manager news: Pep Guardiola extends Man City contract

Guardiola signs City contract extension

The next few months could see some huge transfer dealings in the Premier League, but the biggest signing this summer could be Pep Guardiola extending his contract at Manchester City.

The Premier League champions announced yesterday that the Spaniard had signed a new deal that will see him stay until 2021.

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Describing the news as a “massive boost” to City, the Daily Mail says that Guardiola’s new contract is for a reported £20m a year. The Times adds that now City have secured Guardiola’s signature, they will back him in the transfer market to win “even more silverware next season”.

Speaking to the club’s website, Guardiola said: “I am so happy and excited. It’s a pleasure to be able to work here. I enjoy working with our players every day and we will try to do our best together in the coming years.”

Benitez’s Newcastle talks reach ‘crucial stage’

West Ham have been linked with a move for Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez, but The Daily Telegraph reports that the Spanish gaffer would prefer to stay in the Northeast. Newcastle are confident of keeping Benitez and are in contract negotiations with the 58-year-old. According to the Newcastle Chronicle, Benitez’s contract talks have reached a “crucial stage”. The Daily Express says he is demanding a £100m transfer kitty and “full control” of future dealings.

West Ham close to naming ‘high-calibre’ manager

Rafa Benitez is tipped to take over at West Ham United - and he certainly measures up to the job description for the next manager at the London club. The Hammers issued a statement saying the club want a “high-calibre” candidate to replace David Moyes, who left earlier this week. Joint-chairman David Sullivan said: “We have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward. We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement. This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game.”

Fonseca commits to Shakhtar

Paulo Fonseca is staying at Shakhtar Donetsk, after signing a new two-year contract with the Ukrainian club. Fonseca, who had been linked with the vacant manager jobs at West Ham and Everton, said: “I’m very happy, I had a desire to continue my career at Shakhtar. It was absolutely important to feel that the club president Rinat Akhmetov, the employees and the footballers want me to stay, to continue the job that we started two seasons ago.”

Arsenal want to talk with Henry

Manchester City coach Mikel Arteta is favourite to replace Arsene Wenger as Arsenal boss, but Sky Sports reports that the Gunners are also keen to speak to club icon Thierry Henry about the position. Arsenal’s record goalscorer is currently an assistant coach with the Belgium national team, and the Gunners are intending to hold talks with him early next week.