The Canaries shortlisted the former Liverpool assistant for their head coach vacancy following Johannes Hoff Thorup's departure in April, but Bristol City boss Liam Manning has been identified as the club's top target.
Lijnders held multiple discussions with City sporting director Ben Knapper, but ultimately wasn't selected to fill the role. Former Wolves and Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil also held talks, along with three unknown overseas coaches.
Reports now suggest that the Dutchman is poised to join Guardiola's staff as an assistant coach following a reshuffle after a trophyless campaign for the Citizens. Juanma Lillo, Carlos Vicens, and Inigo Dominguez have all left the club with the Catalonian boss seeking fresh voices to help him continue to innovate.
Lijnders departed Liverpool alongside Jurgen Klopp after a nine-year stint at Anfield in a multitude of roles before moving to RB Salzburg as head coach.
He lasted seven months in the role before being sacked with Salzburg 10 points behind leaders Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga. Lijnders also managed Dutch second-tier side NEC Nijmegen in 2018, but was dismissed at the end of the season and returned to Anfield.
Manchester City are hoping to have Lijnders in place in time for the Club World Cup later this month, with Kolo Toure also poised to take a role in Guardiola's frontline coaching team.
Liam Manning is set to be unveiled as the Canaries new head coach.Liam Manning is set to be unveiled as the Canaries new head coach. (Image: PA) Norwich have now struck an agreement with Bristol City for Manning to become their next boss.
After talks last week, an agreement is now in place with City set to pay the circa £800,000 release clause built into Manning's Ashton Gate contract. The relevant paperwork and legal aspects of the deal are being completed over the weekend with a view to an announcement.
Manning is set to bring key coaching allies Chris Hogg and James Krause with him to Carrow Road.