Renato Sanches claims Niko Kovac blocked his move to PSG | OneFootball

Renato Sanches has revealed that former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac denied him of the chance to move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 22-year-old is currently plying his trade in France on loan from the Bundesliga league leaders to Ligue 1 side Lille.

But it seems the Portuguese midfielder could have been turning out for a team further up the division as well as shining on the Champions League stage.

Sanches had seeked a move to Thomas Tuchel’s team after struggling to get regular game time at the Allianz Arena.

But Kovac, who was sacked in November, blocked the move.

Speaking to l’Equipe, Sanches said: “Everything was ready. I remember I was at a restaurant when my agent called me.

“He said to me: ‘Tomorrow you’re flying to Paris.’ I said Ok, I went home and packed my bags.

“And the next day, during training, my coach (Kovac) said to me: ‘You are not leaving!’

“I stayed. And I did not play. The next game, he gave me five minutes. It was not enough.

“I lost my place in the national team, I lost my form. My colleagues asked me why I was not playing.”

Sanches had made 27 appearances in all competitions for Lille this season, scoring three goals.