Bayern Munich deny Pep Guardiola approach

Chelsea and Manchester City have received a boost after Bayern Munich dismissed reports they want Pep Guardiola to take over as coach next season.

The former Barcelona boss, who has admitted he wants to return to coaching after taking a year out, has been linked with the Bundesliga giants, along with the Premier League pair.

Bayern's current boss Jupp Heynckes is only under contract until the end of the season and has not yet indicated whether he intends to stay on.

But Bayern's media director Markus Horwick described claims the club had approached Guardiola to take over as "complete rubbish".

He told the Bild newspaper: "We are only talking only with Jupp Heynckes. Jupp Heynckes is our one and only person to talk to."

That denial could open the door for Chelsea and Manchester City, who are both desperate to lure the Spaniard to England.