Bayern Munich's pursuit of Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has taken yet another twist.
The reigning Bundesliga champions need to strengthen out wide following the departures of Arjen Robben as well as Franck Ribery this summer and have been heavily linked with the Germany international.
At the beginning of the month Bayern executive chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed the club's interest in Sane, although they had been put off by the 23-year-old reported £90m price-tag.
But a week later Bayern conceded defeat in their attempts to lure the winger back to Germany and Pep Guardiola then confirmed Sane won't be going anywhere this summer.
"Yes." Guardiola said when asked if Sane will stay. "The club made him an offer last year. As I said many times, we want people happy to be here. We are going to help him to be the best.
"We know his potential and what his level is. He has a special quality difficult to find around the world.
"He knows, they all know, it's difficult (to play regularly) because of the quality we have.
"But, at the same time, I spoke to the club 10 times (to say) I want people here to be happy. If they don't want, they go.
"The desire to have him to be with us is always there."
That seemed to be the end of the saga.
But Bayern have made another u-turn as manager Niko Kovac has revealed the club's pursuit of Sane is very much back on and there's a good chance of the winger leaving the Premier League this summer.
"Our leadership is very engaged in the situation there. I'm confident and assume that we will get him,"he told ZDF Sport.
Bayern focusing their efforts on Sane is great news for Chelsea and Frank Lampard as it would appear they've finally got the message about Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The Bundesliga giants have been interested in the Blues wonderkid and reportedly had a bid in the region of £20m bid rejected by the west London outfit recently.
Football.london have previously reported that Bayern were still keen on the youngster, even with their interest in Sane.
However, Hudson-Odoi looks set to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge and thus will end all talk of a move to the Allianz Arena.
Furthermore, Lampard had an update on how contract talks were progressing following the Blues' 4-3 pre-season win over Reading at the weekend.
"I think agreed would mean signed so we’re not quite there but what’s very clear is the club are working towards that," he said. "Talks moved on very well in the last week or two but it’s not done yet.
"The one thing that’s clear to me is I want to keep him here. He’s a player we cherish.
"Players who come through the academy are the present and the future of the club so we’re doing everything we can to get there.
"I hope it’s news to be confirmed soon."
