Newcastle United make stunning move for two-time Premier League winner 'top' transfer priority for January

Former Manchester City superstar Leroy Sane has emerged as a top January target for Newcastle United, according to reports.

Football Insider understands that the 65-time German international is growing increasingly unsettled at Bayern Munich and may be willing to consider a return to English football almost four years on from his Manchester City exit.

Sane, who lifted two Premier League titles during his time in England, has just 10 months remaining on his contract in Bavaria, but has reportedly been told that he will have to take a sizeable pay cut if he is to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

Newcastle are widely understood to be in the market for a right sided winger after failed approaches for Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga and former Crystal Palace playmaker Michael Olise, who has intriguingly been picked to play ahead of Sane in all three league matches since Vincent Kompany arrived as manager.

Sane is a proven player in the Premier League and one who hit double figures for both goals and assists in his final two seasons with Pep Guardiola’s side. He is blessed with great technical flair, pace and creativity and has been an asset for Bayern Munich since his arrival in 2020 - helping the team to three titles in four league seasons so far.

Sane’s contract situation could lead to him being available for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window, should Bayern Munich want to avoid the risk of losing him on a free transfer. Likewise, Newcastle could also use the January transfer window as an opportunity to arrange a deal for Sane to join on a free transfer in the summer, if Bayern Munich are unwilling to do business.

Sane, who formed part of the City team which picked up 100 points, is crucially blessed with the ability to play on the right-hand side of the attack and could offer significant experience of competing at the top level to the St James’ Park club.

However, TeamTalk also understands Arsenal and Liverpool are both keeping close tabs on the situation. Arsenal recently completed the signing of Raheem Sterling on loan but may still be in the market for a right winger in 12 months time, while Liverpool could find themselves needing a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield.