Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Schalke star Leroy Sane’

Manchester United are stepping up interest in 20-year-old Schalke sensation Leroy Sane, according to reports.

The Red Devils sent scouts to watch Sane over the weekend, where he scored a 56th-minute goal in the Royal Blues’ 4-1 win at Hoffenheim.

Schalke have previously rejected reports Sane has a buyout clause of £28million and believe he is worth closer to £40m as they attempt to warn off the circling pack and keep the German international.

He has been a virtual ever-present for the Gelsenkirchen club this season, amassing nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, playing 42 matches.

In an exclusive interview with Bild, Sane told the German outlet he sees his immediate future in the Ruhr Valley, but didn’t discount the possibility of a future move.

“I think next season I will play at Schalke. However, I make no secret. Sometime in the future I want to play abroad at an even bigger club than Schalke. Most of all at Barca – even as a little boy that was my dream club.”

Schalke’s director Horst Heldt confirmed there is plenty of interest in the young star, even from England.

“There were a number of prestigious clubs that contacted us about Sane,” Heldt told Bild back in October.

“Liverpool were ready to pay money for him. These offers didn’t interest us or the player. I am really not concerned about losing the player. Two years ago, Ajax made an offer as well. Leroy can have a great career, he is on the right track.”

Manager Andre Breitenreiter stated earlier in the season the time is not quite right yet for Sane to move on.

“I’m not thinking about selling Leroy to another club. I think it’s too soon for him to move to a big club, he’s still developing”, Breitenreiter told Sport Bild.