‘A few have said…’ - Alan Shearer shares ‘seismic’ Pep Guardiola rumour that would rock Premier League

Alan Shearer has claimed Pep Guardiola could be a contender to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.

Newcastle United were thrown into the spotlight when Southgate announced his resignation last month. Eddie Howe emerged as the front-runner to take the vacant Three Lions hot seat.

When grilled by the media, the Toon boss gave far-from-convincing answers, remaining ambiguous to trigger talk about a possible exit. Howe has since clarified those comments to commit his immediate future to St James’ Park.

Likewise, Manchester City mastermind Guardiola refused to distance himself from the England job last week. The Spaniard’s contract at the Etihad expires next year - with the FA then free to make an approach.

In the meantime, St George’s Park chiefs have appointed under-21s coach Lee Carsley on an interim basis. Newcastle legend Shearer has backed the move - but shared whispers about Guardiola becoming the permanent manager.

“There are a few people who have said that to me (Pep managing England),” he told The Rest Is Football podcast. “Maybe it’s just a rumour? You never know, which is why I think it’s a wise decision for them to give it to Carsley, to take their time and see what happens. 

“They’ve got a game in a month’s time. It would have been difficult to appoint someone in that short time so this gives them a chance to sit back and look at the bigger picture.

“It was similar with Gareth (Southgate) in terms of how he got the job. I get that and I’m reasonably happy with that (appointment). It would have been foolish for them to rush in for the sake of it. They can take their time. 

“He’s done a fabulous job with the under-21s so will know a lot of the players. I think that’s a very wise decision (appointing Carsley).”