PEP GUARDIOLA has been given a boost after Bayern Munich opted out of a January swoop for Leroy Sane.
The German international winger is closing in on a return to action after missing the whole season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Leroy Sane has been strongly linked with a return to GermanyCredit: Alamy Live News
The problem – which came during the Community Shield against Liverpool in August – scuppered the German club’s hopes of signing him.
And now Bayern have indicated they will not make a move this month – meaning he will be at the Etihad until the summer at least.
Their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: “No he is not an issue in winter. We need players who can help us now.”
City put a price tag of around £140 million on the head of Sane in the summer – which was too hot for the Germans at the time.
However he has just 18 months left on his deal at the Etihad, meaning the price may have to come down considerably in the summer.
Before then, Guardiola should have Sane back at his disposal for their assault on the two domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
City also have work to do to consolidate their position in the top four – although the Premier League title looks out of reach now.
Guardiola gave an update on Sane’s injury earlier this week when he said: “I think he is close. I spoke with him two days ago and he said to me he is training alone with the ball.
“He is doing incredibly well, his knee looks really good so I don’t think it is going to take too much time to come back to train with us.”
“I think in the next few weeks he can come back.”
Man City manager Pep Guardiola remains coy about Leroy Sane’s future with the club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
