Roberto Mancini has shrugged off rumours that Pep Guardiola is being lined up to take over at Manchester City.

City appointed former Barcelona man Txiki Begiristain as director of football earlier this week, fuelling speculation that out-of-work Guardiola could take over from Mancini.

However, the Italian manager is confident that he will stay in charge of the Premier League champions and is pleased with the appointment of Begiristain.

"I am very happy. He has a lot of experience with a top club like Barca. If we did well in the last two years, I think we can do better in the future," said Mancini.

"If people write that Txiki is here and maybe next year Guardiola will arrive or another manager, this is not my problem. I'm here, I want to continue to work well because I think we are ready to improve and build a stronger team."

City travel to West Ham this evening and could be top of the Premier League by the end of the day.