PEP’S INIESTA FIESTA

City boss plots stunning raid for Barca’s midfield magician

PEP GUARDIOLA is planning an audacious move for Barcelona magician Andres Iniesta.

The Spain international has enjoyed incredible success at the Nou Camp, and now his former boss wants to give him a swansong in the Premier League.

Iniesta, 33, signed a “contract for life” at Barca in October – but sources in Spain suggest it is a non-binding agreement. And rumours are circulating in Catalonia that his influence may be dwindling after the arrival of

£142million Philippe Coutinho (right) from Liverpool in January.

Guardiola is keeping a close eye on developments and would jump at the chance to bring the playmaker to the Etihad.

Iniesta – who has made over 700 appearances for Barcelona — effectively replaced Guardiola in the team, when Pep quit the Spanish giants in 2001.

The City chief would jump at the chance to be reunited with Iniesta after the pair enjoyed huge success while Guardiola was Barcelona coach from 2008-2012.

Iniesta’s long-term midfield partner Xavi quit the Nou Camp in 2015 for Qatari club Al Sadd SC.

Iniesta may look for a similar challenge to bring the curtain down on his exceptional career that has seen him win eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and the World Cup with his country.