Manchester City transfer news: Schalke 04 youngster Leroy Sane identified as main January window target

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain is prepared to step up his club's interest in the player

Schalke 04 youngster Leroy Sané (Getty Images)

Manchester City have identified highly-rated 19-year-old Leroy Sané as their prime target in the forthcoming January transfer window, according to reports.

Sané, who plays for Schalke 04, has been on the club’s radar for the past two years and sporting director Txiki Begiristain is now prepared to step up their interest in the player.

However, according to the Guardian, the club remain reluctant to meet the Bundesliga side’s £32million asking price for the attacking midfielder.

Sané is under contract with his current club until June 2019, having signed new terms at the Veltins-Arena last summer, strengthening Schalke 04’s position in negotiations.

The player’s price-tag may also be driven up by Liverpool, who have been linked with a move for the youngster, as well as his 24-year-old defensive team-mate Joël Matip.

Sané made his international debut against France last month, during the friendly match which was targeted as part of the Paris terror attacks. The 19-year-old started the game and was later substituted in the second half for Julian Draxler.

"He has an incredible awareness of space and he can put his pace to good use," said Joachim Low, the German national team’s head coach, ahead of the game at the Stade de France.

"His runs are subtle, and despite only being 19, he has shown a lot of promise and has convinced us. He is a player with a special gift, he is a cunning player with a lot of technical ability. He can make the leap to the senior team soon."

The youngster has made 24 appearances for Schalke 04 this season, scoring five goals. His strike during his side’s 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League campaign announced him on the continental stage.

In March, Leroy’s father Souleymane stressed to German newspaper Bild of his son’s grounded nature and played down the possibility of a move to big club early on his career.

“He’s still an apprentice,” said the senior Sané. “A lot of players don’t keep their heads on the ground, because they know they can earn money quickly. Leroy won’t do that. He is grounded. If he brings fight, then he will earn his place.”

Sané would join a plethora of attacking midfield talent if he was to move to the Etihad Stadium, not least expensive summer signings Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne. His potential arrival will increase speculation surrounding those on the fringes of the first-team’s forward line, namely Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas.