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Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich chief enter war of words over Leroy Sane transfer saga
BAYERN MUNICH chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has accused Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola of ignorance after the Spaniard tried to fend off interest in Leroy Sane.
Sane, who turned down multiple contract extensions last term, is apparently unhappy at City and Bayern are interested in bringing the Germany international back to his homeland.
It was reported back in May that City turned down a £70.7million bid from the Bavarians for Sane.
The winger was third in Guardiola’s pecking order behind Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva at times last season but still managed to notch 10 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old turned out in the domestic treble winners’ penalty shootout loss to Wolves in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Saturday and Guardiola dismissed notions Sane would leave this summer.
Rummenigge, who has been open about the club’s interest in Sane, hit back on Sunday.
“I do not want to submit any water level reports,” he told reporters.
“If there is something to announce, then we will do that. But that's not so far.
"I do not know if Pep knows everything that goes on in his club. No idea. Let's wait."
I do not know if Pep knows everything that goes on in his club
The comments came after Guardiola stated his belief that Sane would be at Etihad Stadium next season.
The 48-year-old said: “For a long time they are talking about their interest in Leroy Sane.
“He is our player and we hope that he can stay here this season and next season and next season.
“The club made him an offer last year and I’ve said it many times: we want people who are happy here. We are going to help him be the best he can be.
“We know his potential and what his level is. He has a special quality that is difficult to find around the world.
“But he knows - and they all know - it’s difficult due to the quality we have. The desire to have him with us is always there.