Martin Keown has taken aim at Alexis Sanchez, labelling him a "mercenary" and claiming it's all "about the money" with him.

Sanchez appeared set to sign for Manchester City this January, after he nearly secured a move to the Etihad in the summer to link back up with Pep Guardiola.

But the Citizens were not prepared to meet his eye-watering wage demands, and Manchester United - in desperate need of some firepower - swooped.

The Chilean has agreed terms with the Red Devils in a deal worth nearly £500,000 per week, and will link up with his new team-mates imminently, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan potentially heading in the opposite direction.

Martin Keown has taken aim at Alexis Sanchez (
Image:
@BBCMOTD/Twitter)

Former Arsenal defender Keown recently spoke out about the Sanchez transfer saga, and revealed his thoughts on the Chilean suddenly favouring a move to Old Trafford over Manchester City.

"Sanchez has got to be the biggest mercenary in football," said Keown, writing in his Daily Mail column.

The Chilean is set to sign for Manchester United (
Image:
Daily Mirror//Trinity Mirror Group)

"Manchester City have wanted to sign Sanchez since the summer and, if no deal is done in January, they will be waiting for him at the end of the season.

"City would be the natural place for Sanchez to go to develop his football. He has worked with Pep Guardiola before.

Sanchez was expected to sign for Manchester City (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

"But for Sanchez, this is clearly not about going to the best team, working with Guardiola and taking his game to another level.

"He has probably thought that he will not get a better offer if he waits until the summer, so he might as well take the best deal on offer now. It has been all about the money."

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