Liverpool Transfer News: Leroy Sane Eyed by Pep Guardiola Amid Barcelona Rumours

Schalke's Leroy Sane is reportedly set to be Pep Guardiola's No. 1 target when he takes over at Manchester City in the summer, a significant blow for long-term suitors Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 20-year-old has attracted much interest recently, with Real Madrid also said to be eyeing Sane along with Barca and Liverpool, per MailOnline's Tom Farmery. 

However, following the recent confirmation that Guardiola will take over at the Etihad Stadium in the summer, reports now suggest the Spanish manager will go all out to sign the £40 million-rated Sane, per David Woods in the Daily Star.

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This is surely a blow for Liverpool in their bid to sign the Germany international, as not only do City have more financial clout than the Merseyside outfit, but they will undoubtedly be able to offer him Champions League football as well.

Furthermore, the attraction of playing under Guardiola—widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world—is likely to be strong for Sane.

Indeed, Bleacher Report's Dean Jones and Sam Tighe recently predicted some other star names who could be lured to Manchester by the former Barca boss.

Per Bleacher Report's Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney, German outlet Bild previously reported that Sane did not want a move to the Premier League, leaving the Blaugrana as the obvious destination should he leave Schalke:

However, the confirmation that Guardiola—currently managing Bayern Munich—will be in charge at City next season has surely changed the Manchester club's outlook for who they can and can't sign.

Sane has broken out this season as one of the most talented young attacking stars in the world, netting five goals and providing four assists in the Bundesliga, per WhoScored.com.

He also earned his first senior cap for Germany late last year and would be a very exciting addition to any front line—he can play on either flank or through the middle.

There is a valid argument to suggest that, despite his immense talent, he is not yet ready for a big move and should remain at Schalke, as argued by German football writer Kevin Hatchard:

But should Guardiola come knocking, Sane may find it hard to resist a move. City have more than enough funds to persuade Schalke to part with him.

The same is perhaps not true of Liverpool. Though manager Jurgen Klopp is undoubtedly a big draw for young players, the Reds are not currently competing at a high enough level to attract the best talent.

If a transfer battle ensues in the summer between Guardiola's City, Barcelona and Liverpool, the Anfield club are unlikely to come out victorious.