Leroy Sane transfer: Youngster has big decision to make between Bayern Munich and Manchester City

City recognise the young German’s potential, but he is seen as one of those players who just isn’t as tuned into Guardiola’s approach, who isn’t as energised by the manager’s famous intensity

In a generally relaxed press conference, it was one moment when Pep Guardiola got visibly annoyed. That, of course, was from a question about Leroy Sane. Guardiola had been asked whether he’d had an argument with the forward after Manchester City’s Community Shield, as they were seen animatedly talking.

“I was concerned about his injury,” the Catalan snapped back, shaking his head and muttering.

Guardiola reckons that Sane will be “OK” after having gone off in the 10th minute of the eventual shoot-out victory over Liverpool, but is just another element that serves to further complicate what is already a complex situation, that Guardiola’s very reaction hinted at.

In all of that, as City remarkably may be willing to sell one of the Premier League’s most electric young players, only one thing is absolutely certain.

Bayern Munich badly want Sane.

Sources close to the situation say they are willing to offer him up to £400,000 a week, and that there have been attempts to get him to push for a move.

Sane hasn’t done that because, somewhat summing up the situation, he isn’t 100% sure himself.

He is hugely tempted by the move, and wants it, but wouldn’t be completely against staying at City. He and his representatives - who are from David Beckham’s new company, Sane having been one of their first signings - would be open to negotiating a new contract at the Etihad, but the preference is to go.

Fittingly, then, Guardiola would prefer to keep him… but wouldn’t exactly be devastated if he left.

It has thereby become something of a stand-off.

It should be re-iterated that there has never been any stand-up row with Guardiola. It isn’t anything like a Zlatan Ibrahimovic situation, or a Samuel Eto’o.

At the same time, Sane is seen as one of those players who just isn’t as tuned into Guardiola’s approach, who isn’t as energised by the manager’s famous intensity.

That can then sometimes be seen as an “attitude issue” on the other side, which is ultimately why one of City’s most talented players isn’t also one of their most regular starters.

Leroy Sane has a big decision to make (Getty)

That explains such questions over their relationship, much as that irritates Guardiola.

Hence this could be a key week in his whole career, which would make any injury particularly inconvenient.

Bayern Munich do want to make him one of their most prominent stars, as part of badly required rejuvenation of the squad, and it of course helps that he’s a German. It would send quite the statement, but then the Bundesliga champions would need to make quite the statement. They would have to break their transfer record to get him, and City are famously good negotiators.

Sane was later seen walking freely through the mixed zone, a light bandage around his right knee, as he spoke into his phone.

Pep Guardiola has not fallen out with the player (Getty)

That mobile is set to hop over the next few days.

Those close to the situation currently feel it is likelier that he goes than stays.

But, like so much with this move, that isn’t yet completely clear.