Bayern Munich quash reports linking Leroy Sane with Man Utd & Liverpool

Bayern Munich director Hasan Salihamidzic has played down speculation linking Leroy Sane with a move to either Manchester United or Liverpool.

Reports earlier this week indicated that United boss Erik ten Hag had enquired about the German's availability as he seeks to strengthen his squad this summer, while the Reds are also said to hold an interest.

However, Salihamidzic has quashed those suggestions and insists that Sane is a central piece in Julian Nagelsmann's plans.

"There's no truth to [the rumours]. He’s an important player for us," he told Sky90. "There’s nothing to say about that at all.

Sane joined Manchester City in 2016 and he initially played a key role in Pep Guardiola's early success in the Premier League.

However, the German fell out favour under the Spaniard and he was snapped up by Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020 for a fee in excess of €40m.

The 26-year-old has netted 13 goals in 65 appearances for the German giants, helping the side to back-to-back Bundesliga titles. Nagelsmann defended Sane after a string of disappointing performances last term, with the German coach at a loss to explain the player's dip in form.

"I like Leroy very much, as a person and as a player. Everyone knows that he has incredible qualities," he told GOAL in April.

"He is self-critical enough and knows himself that he hasn't recently played well. I don't know exactly why.

"He's had ups and downs throughout his career. I support him completely."

Bayern Munich have strengthened in attack this summer with the addition of Sadio Mane from Liverpool. Ryan Gravenberch has also arrived from Ajax, while Mathys Tel has joined from Rennes in an £18m deal.