MANCHESTER CITY have been boosted by Leroy Sane’s return to training this week – but may have to be braced for another approach from Bayern Munich for the winger’s services.
The German giants were very keen on acquiring the 24-year-old in the last transfer window.
Leroy Sane made his long-awaited return to first-team training this weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sane has been missing since the Community Shield in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Their approach, however, was scuppered by Sane picking up a knee ligament injury 13 minutes into August’s Community Shield clash with Liverpool.
Club chiefs instead turned to Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic, both on loan.
But with Perisic in particular looking unlikely to remain at the Allianz Arena next season, the Bundesliga giants will be ready to move for Sane again, now that he is healthy.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told journalist Manuel Bonke: “If we are still interested in principle, which I do not rule out, we will first talk to the club in order to create a friendly atmosphere of conversation.”
The German side annoyed City with the public nature of their approach in the summer, with key players Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry and Manuel Neuer having mentioned and and endorsed a possible move.
Even manager Niko Kovac had claimed he was “confident” that the deal would be done, later being forced to apologise.
Bayern, now managed on an interim basis by Hansi Flick, are desperate to continue rebuilding their squad.
And a winger in Sane’s mould is preferable, having lost club icons Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery last summer.
They currently sit second in the Bundesliga table – now only one point behind leaders RB Leipzig.
While City are calm about the situation, Sane’s contract expires in 18 months time, which could force them into a move.
Sane’s return to training hasn’t quite come in time to face Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final second leg clash – but he could make his return in upcoming league games against Tottenham and West Ham.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola remains coy about Leroy Sane’s future with the club
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
