Manchester City finalises Sane swoop for reported £37M fee

To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.

At long last, Manchester City completed the signing of Leroy Sane from FC Schalke 04 on Tuesday following speculation which began back in December.

The 20-year-old has penned a five-year contract at the Etihad Campus for a move that cost a reported £37 million plus add-ons.

(Courtesy: @ManCity)

The German outfit had stated that if Sane didn't board the plane for its preseason tour of Austria the widely-anticipated switch was off, but then revealed on Monday that the speedy winger had instead travelled to Manchester to put the finishing touches on a transfer.

New City manager Pep Guardiola said: "He is a special talent and an exciting player that I think our supporters will enjoy watching."

He added: "He has great technical ability, is comfortable on the ball and there is much to admire about the way he plays football.

"He is fast, enjoys creating chances for others, works hard for the team, and scores goals too. He also has a very positive attitude and will fit in well."

Sane made his professional debut in April 2014, but enhanced his reputation exponentially during the 2015-16 Bundesliga campaign. The youngster made 23 starts, scoring eight times and assisting on six occasions as his pace and nifty footwork left defences reeling week-in week-out.

He was involved in more goals than any other player aged under 21 in the Bundesliga last term.

Sane's acquisition puts him in direct competition with Jesus Navas on the right flank. The 30-year-old Spaniard is regularly criticised for his charging, penetrative runs down the wing often being followed by a limp delivery, but he still incredibly tallied more competitive minutes last season than any other City player.

"One of the reasons I decided to join City was Pep Guardiola," Sane told the club website. "He convinced me to come here and that I can continue to progress. I know I will learn a lot under him and now I can take the next step in my career."

With the exception of 29-year-old Nolito's arrival from Celta Vigo, Guardiola has looked to drop the average age of a seasoned squad following his appointment. Ilkay Gundogan, 25, and teenager Oleksandr Zinchenko have joined, and youngsters Marlos Moreno and Gabriel Jesus are apparently on their way.

Work is still believed to be ongoing in trying to bring John Stones to City. Everton is alleged to have set a lofty £50-million asking price for the sometimes error-strewn 22-year-old defender, but City is trying to broker a deal worth a few million below that amount.

Related - Report: Manchester City unwilling to increase £40M bid for Stones

The Guardian reports that Sane's debut could come in the Gothenburg friendly against Arsenal next Sunday, with his new employer's quest for the Premier League title beginning with the visit of Sunderland on Aug. 13.