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Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola laughs off Real Madrid rumours

Pep Guardiola has dismissed rumours he could consider taking over at Real Madrid if he leaves Bayern Munich next summer.

Guardiola's three-year contract at Bayern is due to expire at the end of the season and the club is expecting to announce a decision on whether he will prolong his stay before the end of this month.

The former Barcelona coach has been most strongly linked with the Premier League, with Manchester City and Manchester United said to be interested, but Catalan newspaper ARA reported last month that Madrid had sounded out his advisors to see whether he would be interested in taking charge at the Bernabeu.

Asked about the Madrid rumours at his news conference on Friday, Guardiola laughed and said: "No, no. That would not be good. We would not be a good fit.

"No, there is nothing to report for you journalists..."

Bayern star Mario Gotze has said he is hopeful that Guardiola will agree to prolong his stay in Bavaria although he admitted things are not clear.

"You can't look inside his head," said Gotze, whose own future at the club was uncertain during the summer. "The coach and the club have to decide. It's difficult to give a prediction.

"Obviously we would be happy if he stayed but we'll see what happens. We wish for everything to go positively."

He said Guardiola's quality was clear, adding: "We all saw it. Especially during the last two-and-a-half seasons. We played successful football and the way that we play suits the team and football itself.

"A big part of that is because of the coach. We would be happy if he stayed. He's got a philosophy that suits us very well and that's why it would be a good sign if he stayed."