Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick called Manchester City star Leroy Sane in a bid to convince him to join the club, according to reports.
Bayern haven't kept their desire of signing Sane secret over the last year, when they began their pursuit in the summer as they looked to replace departed legends Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
The Bundesliga champions went on a public charm offensive with several star players, such as Robert Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer and Serge Gnabry, as well as high-ranking club officials, all discussing the potential transfer, drawing the ire from City.
It got to the point that then-manager Nico Kovac had to apologise after he claimed he was 'confident' the deal would be completed and Bayern had to take to Twitter to deny reports in the German press that personal terms had been agreed.
Sane would go on to suffer a serious knee ligament injury before the season began and Bayern signed Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic instead.
In recent months Bayern chiefs, such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, have once again began discussing Sane, varying reports suggested that the Bavarians were going off the idea of signing the 24-year-old due to a perceived lack of commitment to making the switch.
However, according to recent reports from SportBild, via SportWitness, Flick has changed his stance and would welcome Sane to the Allianz Arena.
It's claimed that there was a phone call between the pair a few weeks ago which lasted for 30 minutes, with Flick now on board with making the signing after initially being sceptical.
M.E.N. Sport understands that City's stance remains unchanged: while they want Sane to sign an extension to his contract which expires in 2021, they are prepared to sell if necessary rather than lose the German for nothing.
Meanwhile, Fortuna Dusseldorf reportedly want to extend Zack Steffen's loan deal from City.
Steffen this week suffered a knee ligament injury blow after returning to training in Germany, which could keep him out of action for months.
M.E.N. Sport understands that City had earmarked Steffen with a return to the Etihad next season to challenge Ederson for the No.1 spot.
Now, according to SportBild, Fortuna are said to be looking at extending Steffen's loan - although it is not clear if that would be to cover an extended end to the current season, or a new season-long deal for 2020/21.
