Media reports have suggested that Pep Guardiola will snub any approach from Chelsea in a bid to secure the Manchester United job.
Roman Abramovich is an admirer of the former Barcelona coach and is thought to be planning a move in the summer, despite appointing Rafael Benitez this week.
The Spaniard, who is currently on a year-long sabbatical in New York after a successful spell at the Nou Camp, is friends with Sir Alex Ferguson and is hoping to replace the legendary Scot once he retires.
A source close to Guardiola told The Sun: "The whole history of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex and the way the club is run appeals to Pep.
"Right now, I'd be astonished if he went to Chelsea. He really wants to wait for the United job, even if it means extending his time out of the game."
Another source told the Mail On Sunday: "Roman Abramovich has been trigger-happy with managers at the best of times and that's not a plus for Pep.
"When he does return, Pep will want stability, and the events of the past few days show again that Chelsea are not a club that offer a manager time to build anything.
"As far as English clubs are concerned, he's more impressed with the stability shown by both Manchester clubs than anything he's seen at Chelsea."
Guardiola won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies in his four-year spell with the Catalan giants.
Sam Hughes
