Udinese - Sanchez snubbed City

Alexis Sanchez: Chilean forward turned down Manchester City for Barcelona over the summer

Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo has revealed that Alexis Sanchez rejected Manchester City for Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Sanchez, 22, joined Barca from the Italian club on a five-year contract, with Udinese bagging €26million as a transfer fee upfront.

That amount could rise to around €37m depending on how the reigning Spanish and European champions fare with the Chile international in their ranks.

However, Udinese could have earned as much as €45m right away had Sanchez taken up the offer placed on the table by ambitious English side Manchester City, according to the Udine outfit's chief.

"The final price was €26m plus another €11m in variables," Pozzo told Ona FM.

"He only wanted to sign for Barcelona and because of that the negotiations were not easy.

"There were offers from England that were higher, a €45m one from Manchester City to be precise."

Sanchez has recently returned to first-team training with Barcelona, having been out of action since 10th September when he suffered a hamstring injury in the Blaugrana's 2-2 away draw with Real Sociedad.