Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has claimed that losing head coach Pep Guardiola would be a huge blow for the club.

Recent reports have suggested that Guardiola is a target for Manchester City, who are reported to be keen to replace Manuel Pellegrini with the Spaniard when his Bayern deal expires at the end of the season.

The speculation intensified when Guardiola cancelled a press-conference on Friday as rumours continue to suggest that he is no closer to signing a new contract, but Beckenbauer remains hopeful of seeing the 44-year-old at the Allianz Arena again next season.

"It would be a real shame if he leaves Munich after three years," the club's honorary president wrote in his column for Deutsche Press-Agentur.

"He knows the Bundesliga much better, speaks German more fluently and has the players on his side more now that at the start."

Guardiola has won five major trophies since arriving at Bayern in the summer of 2013.