MUNICH – Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac said Tuesday he would
welcome the signing of Germany winger Leroy Sane from English Premier
League champions Manchester City.
"He can definitely help us," Kovac told reporters. "You have seen in
the national team and at City what ability he has."
Bayern have long been interested in the 23-year-old and would be
willing to spend a record fee on the pacy forward. But Sane, who
contract with City runs to 2021, has not been clear if he wishes to
move to the Bundesliga.
"With Leroy I don't know how quickly it goes or not," Kovac said.
"The market has to get started first." The former Borussia Dortmund
winger Ousmane Dembele, now with Barcelona, was "also a very good
player," according to Kovac.
Bayern must replace long-time wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery
who left at the end of the last season but funding moves for both
targets would be difficult.
"Bayern Munich looks at many positions and tries to fill every
position well," Kovac said. "Where we have a bit of a need perhaps is
definitely up front. There we lost the two wingers."
Kovac said as "again the hunted in the Bundesliga" that a squad of 17
senior players would not be enough but expressed confidence club
bosses would deliver the necessary transfers.
"Our goals for the season are clear: we want to defend our Bundesliga
crown and do much better in Europe than we did last season," the
coach said.