Bayern Munich bosses have held a secret meeting with Italian super agent Giovanni Branchini as they discuss their next managerial appointment.
Niko Kovac was axed earlier this month leaving Hans-Dieter Flick to assume the role at least until Christmas.
Pep Guardiola's name has been increasingly linked with a return to Germany and Branchini was the man who arranged the deal that took the Catalan to the Allianz Arena in 2013, reports Bild .
The now Manchester City boss enjoyed a trophy-laden three years in Bavaria, but has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2021.
Branchini is an immensely powerful figure and has had an influence over several of Bayern's biggest dealings.
Guardiola's agent is his brother - Pere - and he admitted in 2015 that Branchini was the man he contacted to facilitate the deal which saw the two-time Champions League winner head to Germany six years ago.
The City boss, who has won seven trophies in the past two-and-half-years, has endured a difficult time recently with injuries to key players.
One of whom is Leroy Sane and the winger was the subject of very public interest from Bayern as they looked to replace Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Branchini was involved in negotiations for the 23-year-old which could've seen him return to Germany in a deal worth more than £100m.
A knee injury against Liverpool in the Community Shield curtailed his season, but Bayern's interest firmly remains as they look to reinvigorate their squad.
Part of that process is finding the right man to lead a group who have dominated domestically, but not reached the Champions League final since 2013.
Bayern's president Herbert Hainer announced: “The board is now seeing about this matter and will try to get the best manager for Bayern Munich.”
Guardiola is certainly a name on that list but, given his new availability, so is Mauricio Pochettino.
