Leroy Sane to return to action in early 2020?

Manchester City attacker Leroy Sane has reportedly stepped up his recovery from a serious knee injury, with the German heading for a return in the early stages of 2020.

Sane has been on the sidelines since damaging knee ligaments during the Community Shield against Liverpool last month, and the 23-year-old required surgery to fix the problem.

The Germany international was not expected to return to action until at least the middle of March, but according to The Sun, the winger is making significant progress in his recovery from the operation.

The report claims that Sane is already leg pressing 20kg in the gym, while he is expected to begin jogging and stability work after the international break - putting him in line for a return in the early stages of next year.

Bayern Munich were strongly linked with a swoop for the former Schalke 04 youngster during the summer transfer window, and the Bundesliga champions are still said to be interested in a move.

Sane will see his current contract at the Etihad Stadium expire at the end of the 2020-21 campaign and he is believed to have rejected the chance to sign an extension with Pep Guardiola's side.