INCOMING Manchester City manager Pep Guardiuola is set for an immediate battle with his former club Barcelona – but it’s not a rematch on the pitch.
The two giants are both believed to be extremely keen on young Schalke star Leroy Sane, with Barca having recently sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old attacking midfielder in action.
Manchester United and Paris St Germain have also reportedly joined the race and are willing to pay £42million for the rising star’s services.
The Daily Mirror claims: Manchester City face a showdown with Barcelona for young Schalke star Leroy Sane, according to reports.
The midfielder – one of the hottest prospects in European – has already been linked with the Blues with incoming coach Pep Guardiola said to be a fan.
Mundo Deportivo report Barca had the 20-year-old watched and want to beat their former manager to land the exciting attacking ace.
Sane burst onto the scene last season with a man-of-match display as Schalke shocked Real Madrid 4-3 in the home leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Since that night, Sane has become a regular in the Schalke first team and made his international debut for Germany late last year.
With pace, skill and a wonderful shot, the youngster would fit into the Premier League perfectly but the asking price of £42m seems outrageous for a player who’s only made 34 appearances for Schalke.
Indeed, this season Sane has yet to recapture the dazzling form he showed when he burst onto the scene and, while still a solid performer, didn’t contribute a single goal or assist in the final month of Schalke’s upturn in form before the winter break.
Would City fans be happy to see their club spend such a large sum on a still unproven player? Or do you trust Guardiola’s judgement?
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