Schalke winger Leroy Sane has submitted a transfer request in an attempt to make a move to greener pastures in this summer transfer window. The 20-year-old midfielder is the subject of interest from major clubs worldwide.
Arsenal and Real Madrid have expressed a desire to add the player to their ranks but Manchester City appear to be in pole position to land his signature. Some reports claim that the Citizens have even come to an agreement on personal terms in a £45.5m deal. Bayern Munich were earlier linked with a move for Sane as well, but Carlo Ancelotti has since stated that he will not be pursuing the player.
City coach Pep Guardiola will be well aware of the young German’s abilities from his time coaching Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga. Sane scored 9 goals and provided 7 assists in 42 appearances for Schalke last season.
Christian Heidel, the sporting director at Schalke has admitted that the club are prepared to let the player go if their conditions are met. It is understood that the youngster is valued at around £40m by the club.
Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic seems to be the player that Schalke coach Markus Weinzierl has picked out as Sane’s replacement. The 22-year-old winger has found himself surplus to requirements at Anfield, and will be looking to find himself a club where he can get regular playing time.
Markovic has suffered from a string of injuries lately which has restricted his ability to make an impact at Fenerbahce, where he was on loan from Liverpool. He was only able to make 18 appearances for the Turkish club in his time there. Brendan Rodgers signed the young Serbian for Liverpool from Benfica for £20m, and the club will be looking to recoup most of their investment in the player.
Schalke officials have reportedly been in touch with Markovic’s representatives in an effort to discuss the possibility of a transfer, but the talks are understood to still be in the informal phase. Italian club Fiorentina are also said to be interested in the pacy winger, as well as a few other English clubs. Where his future lies remains to be seen.
