Bayern Munich chief executive criticises manager Niko Kovac for talking up Leroy Sane signing

Kovac expressed his confidence over the weekend that a deal would eventually get done for the 23-year-old winger

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl Heinz-Rummenigge has admonished manager Niko Kovac for saying he is “confident” of signing Leroy Sane this summer.

The Manchester City winger has long been linked to the German club, amid reports of a breakdown in relations between him and Pep Guardiola.

Over the weekend, Kovac expressed his confidence that a deal would eventually get done for the 23-year-old.

“Our club management is very committed,” he said. “It is not easy in this day and age, you see, otherwise it would already be sorted. But I am very confident. I assume we can get it [done].”

But in a rare act of public admonishment, Heinz-Rummenigge criticised Kovac for his words.

“I did not like what he said,” the Bayern chief said.

Explaining why Kovac was wrong to discuss the possibility of a transfer, Heinz-Rummenigge added: “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 help us in that matter.”

According to reports, Sane remains Bayern’s top target this summer after the club lost Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of last season.