Guardiola closes in on Sane transfer

This is a post in collaboration with Milton Burke.

Having already secured the signings of Ilkay Gundogan and Spanish winger Nolito for his new team, Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola is now believed to be close to making the clubs third transfer of the summer, in the shape of German international Leroy Sane. Despite reportedly having failed to agree a deal with Sane’s club side Schalke to date, the promising youngster is thought to be keen on a move to England, with personal terms on a transfer having already been agreed. The transfer could eventually reach as much as £46million.

Guardiola knows all about the talents of Sane from his time managing in Germany, and with the Spaniard seemingly not content with his current squad, spending looks set to continue over the coming weeks. Sane only made one appearance for Joachim Low’s Germany side during the Euro 2016 tournament, however, he showed more than enough promise during his Bundesliga appearances last season. Man City are kicking off their new campaign at home to Sunderland, and having only managed a fourth place finish under Manuel Pellegrini last time around, are 9/4 favourites with bookmakers Coral in the Premier League betting odds to lift the trophy come 2017.

City face off against Guardiola’s former side Bayern and fierce rivals Manchester United during their pre-season campaign, and City officials will no doubt be working tirelessly in order to land transfer targets before the Premier League season begins. John Stones has long been linked with a move to the Etihad, and with the Everton defender at short 1/4 odds with Coral to complete such a transfer, it is looking likely that it will indeed materialise before the transfer window closes. Having reportedly had an approach for Italian Leonardo Bonucci knocked back by Juventus, reinforcing the clubs back line is seemingly Guardiola’s number one priority.

Elsewhere, left back Aleks Kolarov’s future at City remains in doubt, with the Serbian attracting interest from around Europe, including Turkish champions Besiktas. Despite having two years remaining on his current contract, the 30-year- old is deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad this season. Promising youngster Angelino could well replace Kolarov in the City squad, with the 19-year- old expected to be promoted from the development squad under Guardiola.