Newcastle United will be contenders in the race to sign Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich, but only if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains very well-connected within the game, insisted the Magpies must offer European football to stand a chance at landing Sane’s signature.
The 28-year-old has just ten months remaining on his current contract at the Allianz Arena and has attracted interest from multiple clubs ahead of the January window.
Foreign clubs will be able to negotiate a deal with Sane from January to bring him in on a free, placing Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, among others, on high alert.
While the Magpies will be capable of matching the wages and financial packages on offer from Europe’s elite clubs, they will also need to prove they can offer the level of competition he is looking for.
It is said that Sane wants to continue playing at the highest level to solidify his place in the Germany setup and is unlikely to take a step down.
Sane has made 177 appearances for Bayern Munich since joining from Manchester City, but his experience in the Premier League has inspired renewed interest from England.
Now, Robinson has insisted the Magpies will push hard to get a deal over the line, but the conversation cannot start unless they qualify for the Champions League.
“I’m surprised Bayern have let him get within ten months of his contract expiring,” he told Football Insider.
“When a player goes that far without any negotiations starting you would expect him to move on to pastures new.
“I think Leroy Sane, with his reputation, what he’s done and who he’s played for, with no disrespect, would be looking to play Champions League football if he is to move on.
“He’s going to want to play regularly in the Champions League to enhance his international prospects with Germany as well.
“Newcastle would be able to offer him a huge financial package which would match the very best, but I think a player like Sane…
“Look, they’re up there at the moment, but I think if they don’t get Champions League football, I don’t think there’ll even be a conversation.
“If they do qualify for the Champions League, they’re very much in the frame and it’s worth having the conversation.
“Without Champions League football, I find it hard to see Leroy Sane joining Newcastle.”
In other news, Callum Wilson is set to receive multiple offers in January.
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