Bayern Munich open to selling United target Sanches – reports

Joe Williams

Bayern Munich could have cleared the path for Manchester United to sign winger Renato Sanches, according to reports.

The Portuguese star has only managed nine starts in all competitions in his first season at the Allianz Arena since his move from Benfica last year.

And German publication Kicker claims that Sanches would be able to leave the Bundesliga side if they received an offer of €35 million (£29.5m) – which is believed to be the amount paid to Benfica for his services to date.

The report continues by suggesting that Bayern already have Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka lined up as a potential replacement if the Portugal international was to leave in the summer.

Despite his lack of appearances, Sanches hinted that he wants to stay with the German side and prove he can cut it.

“It was not very good, but the next season is sure to be better,” he said in an interview earlier in the week.

“I was expecting more, of course, but I’m confident that the future will be better.

“I had a few minutes this season and I have to play to be more and more prepared. I do not want to talk about that [what has gone wrong], I feel good at Bayern. The goal is to play more and be more influential in the team.”

Manchester United were seen as the frontrunners for Sanches’ signature until Bayern secured the deal just before Euro 2016 began.

And Jose Mourinho claimed that he would’ve fought to sign the winger if he had arrived at the club early enough.

“I arrived late, I signed in May, we started talking a week before, but completely out of the process. If I had arrived earlier, I’d fight for him.”