Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac says he is ‘confident’ the club are close to signing Leroy Sane from Manchester City.

The Germany winger is the subject of an apparent tug of war between the two clubs this summer. City boss Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated his desire to keep Sane at the Etihad Stadium, whilst Kovac becomes the latest Bayern figure to publicly talk up a move to Allianz-Arena.

Bayern haven’t made any effort to hide their admiration for the winger as they look to secure replacements following the departures of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery this summer.

Star players such as Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich have spoken openly in recent weeks of the possibility that Sane will become a Bayern player. While the Bavarians have already spent more than £100million this summer in securing the likes of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, it appears as though Sane remains very much on their wanted list.

City are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee should the 23-year-old forward make a move back to his homeland, but the Bundesliga giants are talking up their chances of getting his signature.

“Our leadership is very engaged in the situation there. I’m confident and assume that we will get him,” the Bayern boss told ZDF Sport, when questioned about a move for Sane. The former Schalke player featured 31 times in the Premier League last season, scoring 10 goals, though he has struggled to become a permanent fixture in Guardiola’s starting side.

Manchester City are 4.75 favourites to win the Champions League this season, while Bayern are trading at 12.00.