Manchester City keen on signing Bayern Munich star as Leroy Sane replacement

Premier League champions Manchester City are set to swoop for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman if Leroy Sane joins the German champions this summer, if reports in England are to be believed.

German international Sane missed out on a return to his homeland in the summer after he was ruled out for seven months with an ACL injury in early August. 

It was strongly reported that the 23-year-old is unhappy at the Etihad and with Bayern interested in his services, it almost looked like a done deal but then the injury happened.

The Bundesliga holders are expected to make another move for the former Schalke star, as soon as he returns to full fitness. The player's agent recently confirmed that he has already met with the Bayern representatives regarding the transfer.

Now as per reports in England, Pep Guardiola is planning to replace Sane with Kingsley Coman of Bayern, whom the Manchester City boss rates highly. Further, the duo had already worked together at Bayern.

The Spaniard managed the France international Coman for a season, when he was in charge of the Bavarian giants. To add to that, Coman could struggle for playing time if Bayern indeed signs Sane and Guardiola is planning to use that in his favour.

Bayern already have a lot of options in attacking midfield and were boosted with the double capture of Phillippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic this summer. Further, Serge Gnabry has proven his worth, with his recent form. Sane's arrival at Bayern will surely have an impact on Coman's game-time.

Another option Manchester City are strongly considering is thought to be Real Sociedad starlet Mikel Oyarzabal. The 22-year-old has a £68 m release clause in his contract and made City aware of his potential, with his performances for Spain in their U-21 triumph in the European Championships.

In 13 appearances, the Spaniard has scored four and assisted a further four with Sociedad sitting fifth in the league, two points behind the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has been linked with a shock return to Bayern Munich as the Bavarian side remains manager-less following the sacking of Niko Kovac. 

They have signed Hans-Dieter Flick as an interim manager and though the results have improved, it may not be the long-term solution to their problems.

Guardiola quit as the Munich boss in 2016 to take charge at the Etihad. The 48-year-old signed a two-year extension to his City deal in 2018, said to be worth £19.5m-a-year and extending his deal until 2021. 

Bayern Munich are believed to be ready to keep care-taker boss Hans Flick in charge this season and appoint Guardiola in the summer.

Cover image credits:  talkSport