Elsewhere, Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Germany global Leroy Sane with the midfielder in England for a medical.
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The young German, who has become the Spaniard’s fifth signing of the season, has opened up about why he chose to move to Manchester.
Sane, who can play anywhere across the front line, says Guardiola “convinced me to come here and that I can continue to progress. I know I will learn a lot under him”.
Sane ranked fifth for most attempted dribbles per game in the Bundesliga last season with 2.8 per game, but scored and assisted more goals than any of those players ranked above him – including Bayern Munich’s dynamic duo Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa.
If the figure is confirmed, it will make Sane the most expensive German signing of all time.
Sane was part of the Germany team that took part in the recent European Championship in France, where he won his fourth cap for his country.
Guardiola said: “He is a special talent and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching”.
“At 20, he is still developing as a player but he is already a member of the Germany national side and I think he will be a fantastic asset to our club”. He also has a very positive attitude and will fit in well.
Other new signings could follow with Guardiola having admitted an interest in Everton defender John Stones and the club having been linked with Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus.
“I feel really good, I’m happy to be here and happy that it has all worked out”.
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“But our hearts are bleeding a little”.
