Manchester City pull out of Alexis Sanchez race

Manchester City have withdrawn their interest in Udinese player Alexis Sanchez, manager Roberto Mancini has revealed.

The 22-year-old’s services had been hotly contested, with Barcelona being the favourite destination despite a stronger monetary offer from the Blues.

“I have spoken to Sanchez and he told me that he was available to join us,” he told Sky Sports Italia.

“However, we then ended our interest. We pulled out of the race to sign the Chilean after our last offer was tabled.”

Sanchez was yesterday reported to have stated that he would only move to Barcelona. “Either it’s Barcelona or I will stay [at Udinese],” El Mundo Deportivo quoted him as saying.