BAYERN MUNICH star Renato Sanches was not on Manchester United’s list of targets at the start of the transfer window, according to Sky Sports News presenter Kaveh Solhekol.
Manchester United tried to sign Sanches 12 months ago after the Portugal international starred with Benfica.
However, the Red Devils’ sluggishness in appointing Jose Mourinho as Louis van Gaal’s successor ultimately cost them dear.
The teenager instead opted to sign for Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich but, a year down the line, his Bundesliga dream has turned sour.
Sanches made just 25 appearances across all competitions but struggled to justify his £31million transfer fee.
His struggles in Germany – coupled with Manchester United’s need for a central midfielder – has led to talk he could be set for a move to England.
But Sky Sports’ Solhekol has claimed the Red Devils did not originally have him on their radar.
“Another player who’s been linked with Manchester United is Renato Sanches, who is at Bayern Munich at the moment,” he said.
“We’re told he was not on their original list [of transfer targets].
“He’s only 19 and he’s been told he can leave Bayern for £42m.
“He won the award for the best young player at last summer’s Euros and he has the same agent as Jose Mourinho – Jorge Mendes.”
Sanches, speaking after Bayern’s 3-2 friendly win over Chelsea yesterday, confirmed he wanted to leave the Allianz Arena.
But AC Milan – and not United – appears to be his preferred destination.
“Of course, I would like to play more that’s why I want to change and go to a club where I would play more,” he said.
“AC Milan is an interesting option. If the opportunity emerges and the clubs can agree, I would like to know.
“I’m now with Bayern but when we go back to Munich from Asia, we will sit together and hopefully find a solution.
“I’m young, I want and I have to play a lot. I think the chance to do so is greater in Milan than in Munich.”
Source:www.express.co.uk