MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are reportedly locked in a battle to sign Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
The former Manchester City star, 28, is out of contract next summer.
He has lost his place in Bayern’s starting XI to summer signing Michael Olise.
And a new deal does not look to be forthcoming from Vincent Kompany’s side, who he has helped win three titles in his 185 games.
Sane can strike a pre-contract agreement with clubs from January, with a host of top European sides linked.
But Bild claims the strongest interest is emerging from England, where Sane previously spent three seasons playing for Man City.
He won two titles and an FA Cup in 135 outings at the Etihad.
Yet Sane could soon end up playing for the red side of the town as rivals Man United have made an enquiry.
Incoming boss Ruben Amorim is already drawing up a list of targets to boost his squad.
And Sane is strongly appreciated by the Portuguese tactician, as well as United’s transfer hierarchy of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
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But the Red Devils aren’t the only English side interested in Sane.
Arsenal are also fans of the German winger and could look to enter negotiations next year.
Mikel Arteta has made plenty of experienced signings during his time at the Emirates and Sane would give him options on both flanks, as well as through the middle.
However, both United and Arsenal could be left empty-handed as Sane is reportedly keen to stay at Bayern and will not make a decision on his future while the prospect of staying remains on the table.
Sky Germany claims United are also interested in Sane’s Bayern team-mate Leon Goretzka.
Amorim is said to want a central midfielder in the role of a modern number eight this winter.
Goretzka, 29, is in his seventh season with Bayern and has won five titles, plus a Champions League, in 229 outings.
Like Sane, he has also fallen down the pecking order and could be open to an exit.
United are also though to be looking for an “affordable” striker, with £35million summer signing Joshua Zirkzee so far failing to impress.