Bayern to target Real Madrid’s Pogba alternative after selling flop Sanches

Bayern Munich will target a midfielder linked with Real Madrid after confirming the sale of Renato Sanches to Lille.

Portuguese star Sanches has been a major flop for the Bundesliga giants since joining for €35m in 2016, managing just 53 appearances in total for the club, and even spending time on loan at Swansea.

Bayern have finally confirmed his permanent departure, announcing that he has joined Ligue 1 side Lille in a deal believed to be worth €25m.

In a statement, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Renato Sanches asked us to transfer because he wanted to join a club where he would like continuous service. Unfortunately, we could not guarantee him at Bayern.

“Match practice is also important to him because he wants to claim his place in the Portuguese national team for EURO 2020. I would like to thank Renato for his achievements and wish him all the best for his future on behalf of FC Bayern.”

According to Calciomercato, Bayern are already fast at work securing a replacement for the 22-year-old, with Espanyol’s Marc Roca identified as a top target.

Roca had been suggested as an alternative to Paul Pogba or Christian Eriksen for Real Madrid, but Bayern are ready to activate his €40m release clause in an effort to get the deal over the line.