Manchester United have emerged as the clear favourites to sign Alexis Sanchez, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Arsenal contract rebel has entered the final six months of his contract and looks certain to leave the north London club this month.
Premier League leaders Manchester City had been leading the chase for the 29-year-old but are reluctant to meet Arsenal’s £35million valuation and are prepared to withdraw their interest, leaving their rivals with a clear run.
Sanchez’s agent, Fernando Felicevich, is also said to be demanding a fee of around £5m and with the player demanding around £300,000-a-week, City are unconvinced the total package represents value for money.
MORE : Manchester United or Man City: Which would be the best option for Alexis Sanchez?
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Pep Guardiola refused to be drawn on the Sanchez saga and effectively banned his players from talking about the former Barcelona forward.
‘They have two choices,’ he said. ‘Follow what you say or follow me. Sometimes it’s better for my players not to answer.
‘Hopefully I’ll convince them to follow football on the pitch. ‘Sunday is Liverpool – I want to focus on that. Everyone knows the quality of Alexis – but i’s Liverpool.
‘I’m sorry I can’t answer about Alexis and other players.’
United, however, are ready to pay whatever it takes to snatch Sanchez from Guardiola’s grasp, although Arsenal will only sanction a deal if they can find a suitable replacement before the current window slams shut.
Share this with