Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has offered his recommendation to Barcelona president Joan Laporta for new coach.

Laporta is seeking a new coach to replace Xavi, who will step down at the end of the season.

Catalunya Ràdio's 'Tot Costa' programme says Laporta asked friend Guardiola for advice on Xavi's successor. When Johan Cruyff was alive, Barça's number one always consulted the Dutch maestro on important sporting decisions to be made.

Now, after the passing of the Blaugrana legend, Laporta has turned to his friend Pep.

And the City manager has suggested Roberto De Zerbi as the ideal coach for the Barcelona bench. The Italian manager at Brighton has a release clause in his deal set at €10m.