Newcastle United are considering a shock approach for Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, according to reports.
A turbulent summer transfer window saw the Magpies make no significant first-team signings. While Lloyd Kelly joined from Bournemouth, he arrived on a free transfer, with Newcastle keeping the purse strings tight throughout the summer.
Failing to sign Marc Guehi despite a month-long saga left Toon chiefs with little time to find an alternative. As it happened, Newcastle failed to back Eddie Howe amid a boardroom reshuffle at St James’ Park.
Paul Mitchell revealed last week that he will take a more prominent role in recruitment now he has his feet warm on Tyneside. The 43-year-old boasts extensive knowledge of European football from his time at Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig and Monaco.
A centre-back seemed the priority for Newcastle in the summer but they also prioritised a right-sided attacker, with Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron the current first-team options. Various sources claimed the Magpies bid for Michael Olise before his £60million switch to Bayern Munich.
Ironically, the player he is fighting for a first-team spot has been linked with a Newcastle switch. GiveMeSport claim Newcastle and Arsenal are keeping tabs on the former Manchester City ace – who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups at the Etihad – during the final year of his contract.
Sane is returning from a groin problem and his arrival would mark a shift in Newcastle’s transfer strategy. The winger turns 29 in January and picks up a reported £325,000 per week at the Bundesliga giants.