Schalke 04 winger Leroy Sane. (Photo : Getty Images)
Bundesliga squad FC Schalke 04 had recently admitted its readiness to sell Leroy Sane to English Premier League side Manchester City if the young winger makes his wish official via a formal transfer request.
The 20-year-old Germany international, who was called-up by his national squad in the recently concluded 2016 UEFA European Championship, is said to be a target of new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola "after he impressed for the Bundesliga club last season", according to Sun Sport.
Sane scored eight goals in 33 appearances for Die Knappen in the German first division competitions last term as he mainly substituted for the team's starting wingers. His performance was not left unnoticed, though, as the former Bayern Munich champion boss desires to include him in his plans at the Etihad for next season.
However, Schalke sporting director Christian Heidel confirmed that the "only one way" Leroy will be sold is if "he hands in a transfer request" himself.
"Leroy has not told us that he wants to leave Schalke for now. If that were to happen, interested clubs could approach us to discuss a move," Heidel said.
"If Leroy wants a transfer, we will make a quick decision on what happens. I want to emphasize it is our decision. It is important that our plans for 2016-17 are not affected by it," the director added.
Caught Offside noted that the Citizens are preparing a £40 million offer for the 6-foot-1 Essen, Germany native, who just turned 20 last January.
Sane's deal with the Royal Blues will expire in 2019, three years from now, so there is no chance of a free transfer for Guardiola and company.
Guardiola had finalized four signing this summer already, with Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan, Melbourne City's Aaron Mooy, Celta Vigo's Nolito, and FC Ufa's Oleksandr Zinchenko already on their side.
Aside from Sane, Guardiola is reportedly eyeing another 20-year-old from Atletico Madrid, defender Lucas Hernandez, as the Spanish mentor wants a complete overhaul of the squad he inherited from Manuel Pellegrini this offseason.
Mooy was sent on-loan to English second division squad Huddersfield Town after his acquisition, so Guardiola has only three City newcomers to play for him next season.
