Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wanted to sign Raheem Sterling for Bayern Munich, it has been revealed.
The Daily Express says Guardiola has closely followed Sterling's career since his breakthrough with Liverpool and was interested in signing him while in charge of Bayern Munich.
He ended up missing out with City closing a £49m deal for Sterling last summer.
Yet Guardiola's strong links with City director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and the long-held view he would end up in charge at The Etihad, mean there have been suggestions the transfer was run past him.
The duo will finally work together with Guardiola earmarking Sterling for a role in an attacking triumvirate.