Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is ready to discuss a return to football. The Sunday Mirror says Guardiola has put Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on managerial alert.

The former Barcelona boss is ready to open talks about coming out of his ­self-imposed exile.

Guardiola walked away from the game at the end of last season, deciding he needed a 12-month break.

But sources in Spain have revealed that Guardiola, 41, has put into place a timetable for his return and instructed his advisers to open talks with interested clubs in January.

It is believed Guardiola wants to work in either England or Germany.

Chelsea, City and Bayern Munich are his preferred options at the moment.