Manchester United are being linked with a move for Leon Goretzka with the midfielder having entered the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich.
Goretzka’s future with the Bundesliga side appears uncertain with the 26-year-old out of contract next summer, with Bayern facing a decision to make on several senior stars approaching the end of their respective deals.
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Renewals for Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich and Kingsley Coman are proving difficult in the current financial climate and SportBild are reporting that Manchester United are monitoring the former’s situation at the Allianz Arena.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are not ‘actively pursuing’ a new central midfielder at present, but the uncertainty surrounding Paul Pogba – another player whose contract expires in 2022 – means the Red Devils are making contingency plans.
Bayern are reported to have offered Goretzka a salary of between €10m-€12m to extend his deal, though the midfielder is seeking parity with Leroy Sane who is understood to earn around €20m per season.
United are said to be prepared to meet those demands, but will face competition for the Germany international’s signature as both Real Madrid and Barcelona consider moves.
Reported interest from the Premier League in Goretzka could of course be a well-used negotiation tactic to secure an improved contract offer, though Bayern have shown previously that they are not prepared to pay exorbitant wages.
David Alaba was allowed to leave for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer following the club’s decision not to match his huge wage demands, while goal machine Robert Lewandowski is said to be getting ‘restless’ amid the clubs lack of progress and ‘thin’ squad.
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