It’s been a strange 12 months for Renato Sanches.

Last summer, the Portuguese starlet was a wanted player with some top European clubs - such as Manchester United - vying for his signature.

However, it was Bayern Munich that won the race to sign him.

However, the 19-year-old hasn’t really settled at the Allianz Arena and was restricted to just 25 appearances last season.

And after the arrival of James Rodriguez, Sanches’ future at the Bundesliga giants looked in serious doubt.

He’s been heavily linked with a move to United with compatriot Jose Mourinho reportedly very interested in signing the midfielder.

And a loan move to Old Trafford seemed likely when manager Carlo Ancelotti suggested that the youngster may leave on a temporary basis.

Ancelotti says Sanches may leave

“When we have time to take a decision together it can be a possibility of going on loan. Also a possibility is that he stays with us and helps us,” Ancelotti said.

“The market stops on Aug 31, at the moment he is working with us and training with us.”

Mourinho on Sanches

Back in April, Mourinho spoke out about his frustration that the club weren’t able to land Sanches - who has the same agent as ‘The Special One’ - and questioned Bayern’s decision not to play him regularly.

“We want the young boys to play and to perform," Mourinho said.

“At the same time, the best teams want to win and it is difficult to win with the learning curve of young boys. You go to other clubs where young players are being developed.

“It’s easy when there is no pressure playing in mid-table where you can win today, lose tomorrow. It’s different at big clubs.

“There is a Portuguese kid, Renato Sanches, who is a European champion. But he doesn’t play in Bayern Munich.

“The last match he played, they lost to Hoffenheim. Will he play in the Champions League quarter finals? I have my doubts.

“You know there are contradictions in all of us.”

Who Sanches will be joining

However, it seems United won’t be signing Sanches after all - neither on loan or permanently.

That’s because, according to French daily L’Equipe, Sanches will join AC Milan for €40 million.

They’re reporting that Sanches will sign a four-year contract at the Serie A club who are having an incredible summer. Milan have already signed as many as 10 players, including Andre Silva, Leonardo Bonucci and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Sanches on joining AC Milan

And Sanches has even talked about the prospect of joining I Rossoneri this summer.

"Personally I'm not happy with my first year here because I'm young and I would like to be playing more, so I would be glad to go to a club who can give me the possibility to play," he said.

"Milan is an interesting option and if the opportunity were to arise, I would like it. I think that I would have more chance of playing in Milan than in Munich."

Well, it seems that opportunity has arisen and Sanches has grasped it with both hands.

Looks like United will miss out on Sanches for the second summer in a row.