22 Jun 2011 17:27:00
Alexis Sanchez – Udinese (Getty Images)
Related Links
Teams
Players
For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here.
Manchester City have made a late attempt to hijack Alexis Sanchez‘s proposed move to Barcelona, but the player has made it clear he still sees his future in Spain.
El Mundo Deportivo claims the Italian side are thrilled with City’s offer of £35.8 million cash plus £4.5m in bonuses.
However, the 22-year-old does not want to move to the Premier League as he has his heart set on Barca.
According to the report, Sanchez has agreed to join the Catalans after Udinese accepted a £33.9m bid from Spain, which was said to have included Jeffren.
Sanchez was expected to fly to Barcelona to have a medical and formalise his agreement at Camp Nou.
But City’s mega offer has completely changed the picture. Udinese reportedly told Sanchez to cancel his travel arrangements from Chile, where he is with his national side ahead of the Copa America.
The Italians are eager to hold out for the best deal with owners Giampaolo and Gino Pozzo keen to do business with City – in stark contrast with the will of their player, who only wants Barca.
Previous reports suggested a deal with Barca would be wrapped up by now, but City’s decision to wade into battle has caused a delay to those plans, and now leaves the Catalans with a tough decision on whether they can match or better the English offer and close a deal in Udine.
Pozzo recently said his man was worth £44.5m, while adding a sale would not be forced unless the best offer came his way.
On Tuesday, the Udinese chief tried to encourage a Barcelona deal by claiming the forward would excel in Spain.