Guardiola was a fixture at Barcelona

The 34-year-old midfielder spent 17 years at the Nou Camp, followed by spells with Brescia and Roma in Italy, before playing for a club in Qatar.

Pearce is looking at the ex-Spanish international on the recommendation of former City midfielder Ali Benarbia.

Guardiola is likely to feature for City's reserve team against Middlesbrough next Tuesday night.

Yasser Hussein, who was also suggested by Benarbia, has been offered a six-month deal by City.

City officials are hoping to resolve work permit problems to allow Hussein to start his career at the club.

The 23-year-old winger is a regular for Qatar, who are currently 75th in the Fifa rankings - outside the top 70 laid down by immigration rules.

Liverpool were refused a work permit for Mark Gonzalez as Chile are ranked 72nd in the world.