By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 09:52 EST, 13 November 2012 | UPDATED: 10:09 EST, 13 November 2012

AC Milan have intensified their attempts to beat Chelsea and Manchester City to Pep Guardiola.

Sportsmail understands San Siro officials have made discreet overtures to the former Barcelona manager with regards to becoming their next boss.

Current incumbent Massimiliano Allegri is under increasing pressure after a sorry start to their Serie A season and a far from convincing opening to the club's Champions League campaign.

Flying the flag: Guardiola is currently on a sabbatical with his family in New York

Flying the flag: Guardiola is currently on a sabbatical with his family in New York

And Guardiola is the overwhelming choice to replace Allegri amongst numerous Milan officials, with many wanting him in place as early as January.

Vice-president Adriano Galliani publicly backed Allegri on Monday, but in doing so said: 'It is obvious we are not happy.'

Guardiola, who is midway through a 12 month sabbatical, has always maintained he will not return to football until next season.

And the Spaniard's advisers have reinforced that view to the Rossoneri, insisting the 41-year-old will not consider any approach at the moment.

But the Italian club are keen to move quickly as they look to steal a march on Chelsea and Manchester City, who are both taking a keen interest in Guardiola.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich views Guardiola as his dream managerial appointment, despite the fact Roberto Di Matteo led the club to a Champions League and FA Cup double last season.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed last week that the former Spain midfielder's favoured destination is Stamford Bridge.

Under fire: AC Milan have made an insipid start to the season under Allegri

Under fire: AC Milan have made an insipid start to the season under Allegri

Likewise, City's Arab owners are huge admirers of Guardiola and with Roberto Mancini's future far from secure, the Etihad Stadium club are also being kept in the loop with regards to the Spaniard's future.

The Premier League champions' chances of landing Guardiola seemed to have improved after the appointment of City's new chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain, who worked with the sought after boss at the Nou Camp.


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He can go there, Di Matteo is a Chelsea legend

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He wont go AC he wants PL, if hes got any brains he needs to stay very clear of Chelsea!

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Don't want him near the PL, there's no Messi to back up his CV and he'll be a flop with another team.

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Guardiola could not certainly do better than Matthew and Mancini, perhaps the Spaniard could replace Ferguson now close to retirement. If Guardiola had to coach in Italy, I believe that many Italian coaches could teach him something. It is no coincidence that in England, France, Italy and Russia, summit teams are coached by an Italian.

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pep, will not go to AC Milan!!! With all the problems "Silvio Berlusconi" If he takes a club, it would be a big order of Chelsea or City! (After Barcelona difficult to compromise)

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Agh please! you can have the overrated smug boy! we are perfectly happy with DI MATTEO!! yes, in capitals... and in your face pep!!!!!!!

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Propose him the Man United job...see how he ditches all of them so called big teams

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