Manchester City have reportedly begun talks with Leon Bailey for a potential summer move as they look to replace Leroy Sane.
Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed that Leroy Sane is likely to leave the club in the summer, as he has decided against signing a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium.
Sane has not played a game for City in the 2019/20 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered before the season started.
The 24-year-old has just one year left on his current contract with the Manchester club and has been heavily linked with a return to Germany, where Bayern Munich stand as his favourite destination.
And reports from France indicate that, Guardiola is already making plans for life after the Germany international, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Bailey is the name identified.
Per reports from French outlet Foot Mercato, Bailey has already been reached by the City manager and would be interested in playing under the Spaniard. However, the BayArena star is being chased by top clubs in Europe including Manchester United and Chelsea.
The 22-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga side since joining them at a tender age from Genk.
Bailey’s contract with Leverkusen runs through until 2023, and has enjoyed a stellar performance this campaign, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
Man City reported a £31 million offer from Bayern for Sane last summer and are said to be holding out for a fee close to £40 million.
But any deal for Bailey would depend on the Citizens sanctioning the sale of Sane.
