More speculation surrounds the future of Udinese’s Alexis Sanchez after Manchester City were linked with the talented forward this week.
The news may come as a surprise for their cross-city rivals Manchester United who were the football betting favourites to sign the 22-year-old earlier in the season, but City would appear to be more serious about the prospect of signing Sanchez after Chief Executive Gary Cook was present to see Udinese’s 2-1 against Lazio on Sunday.
He will find himself struggling for room to watch Udinese however, as a host of clubs reportedly chase the Chilean international, with reigning European Champions Inter Milan having had a bid turned down this summer.
Sanchez’s performances this season have led to a host of clubs turning their attention to North East Italy, and speculation remains rife across Europe, but the club denies they have had any contact with Man City.
I have not talked with anyone at City,” the club’s Sporting Director Fabrizio Larini told calciomercato.it.
“Their presence doesn’t surprise me because big clubs have come to watch our players all season”
“Nothing has been decided yet. We will wait until the end of the season before making any decision.” He added.
With the Italian club holding out for €30 million before they consider letting their star man go, nothing has been decided and Sanchez himself remains non-committal over his future.
Something which could sway his decision however, is his allegiance to Man Utd, who he supported as a youngster. However with the club desperate to hold onto him as they plan a Champions League raid of their own, Larini is hopeful Udinese can keep hold of him.
“I hope he stays. He is 22 years old and would be a useful asset for another year. We will do everything we can with our budget. I am optimistic.” He commented.
One thing is for certain however, that Manchester City will be more than able to meet the €30 million price tag put on Sanchez’s head with the backing of Sheikh Mansour and his billions, and football bets on the talented youngster joining City may well come in.
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