Manchester City transfer news: Bayern Munich publicly deny reports of Leroy Sane deal

Bayern Munich have publicly denied that they are on the verge of signing Manchester City winger Leroy Sané.

Reports in Germany on Thursday claimed Sané was close to joining the Bundesliga champions in a deal worth more than €100m.

Bayern have long held an interest in the Germany international, with head coach Niko Kovac expressing confidence last weekend that “dream player” Sané would eventually join his squad.

Kovac’s comments embarrassed Bayern, who have sought to distance themselves from a move for Sané since and on Thursday afternoon, the Bavarians forcefully dismissed fresh reports of a deal.

“News reports made today stating that Leroy Sané has decided to join FC Bayern do not correspond to the facts,” Bayern tweeted.

City’s stance on Sané remains unchanged. The Premier League champions feel they are under no pressure to sell the 23-year-old, who is under contract at the Etihad until 2021.

Kovac was rebuked by Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for his comments and later revealed that he had apologised to his City counterpart Pep Guardiola.

“Maybe I was too offensive in that interview,” he conceded. “I talked to Pep and apologised because of it. I would like to apologise to the club, too. I will restrain myself in cases like this in the future.”

Rummenigge made his feelings clear, telling ZDF: ”I did not like what [Kovac] said. We have a good relationship with Manchester City and our former coach Pep Guardiola.

“Sane still has a contract there. Neither optimistic nor pessimistic quotes do anything to help us in that matter.”