Bayern Munich's public pursuit of Leroy Sane this summer has been described as 'harmful' by former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry.
A number of high-profile figures from within the German club have talked up the prospect of Sane moving to Bavaria in recent weeks, and their manager Niko Kovac was last week forced to apologise for saying he is 'confident' a deal for the 23-year-old will be agreed.
And Barry doesn't think the way Bayern have gone about their business has helped the situation.
"Sometimes I find that a bit harmful, especially from a City fan's point of view," Barry told MEN Sport. "You don't want your players courted publicly and mentions from some big legends like that are going to make big noises.
"Sometimes that's the way that clubs make their approaches and try to get the deal done. It's Man City's player and they will do what's right for him.
"Hopefully they can keep him because hes definitely a world-class player and he's still improving at a young age, it will be sad to see him go if he does leave."
Sane was one of Pep Guardiola's first major signings after the Catalan became City manager in 2016 and the pair have won five trophies together in three years.
Barry is an admirer of Guardiola and praised him for what he has achieved in his short time at the Etihad helm.
Barry added: "I think listening to him and seeing him in that first season (when City finished third in 2017), it probably did shock him a little bit - the difference between the Premier League and the leagues he previously managed in.
"But he seemed to work it out that second year and in his third year. He's now got it sussed."
- Gareth Barry was speaking at The FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Awards National Ceremony. The awards reward the volunteers who keep the grassroots game going. To participate in the Fun Football programme, go to mcdonalds.co.uk/FunFootball
