Guardiola’s agent in Milan talks

Rumours of Pep Guardiola’s interest in taking over at AC Milan gathered pace on Tuesday when the agent and brother of the former Barcelona supremo was seen with officials from the Serie A club, said a report. Milan, who drew 1-1 with Malaga in the Champions League here Tuesday, have endured their worst ever start to a league season, prompting rumours — which began over a month ago — that coach Massimiliano Allegri is set to be replaced. Guardiola is currently on a sabbatical having coached Barcelona during one of their most successful spells in the club’s history, however Italian media have persistently linked him to AC Milan. On Tuesday the website of Italy’s biggest selling newspaper, sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, said Guardiola’s brother Pere and former Barcelona assistant coach Manuel Estiarte were seen with club CEO Adriano Galliani. AC Milan denied the meeting took place. “AC Milan categorically denies reports of any kind of meeting between Adriano Galliani and those who may represent Mr. Guardiola,” read a statement on acmilan.com.