Manchester United have reportedly formalised their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Old Trafford bosses have been rocked by Paul Pogba rejecting a new contract offer to stay at the club, meaning he could leave this summer.
United had already been reported to be in the market for a central midfielder, but that need has only increased amid speculation regarding Pogba’s future.
The Frenchman has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, but is unwilling to extend that and he could now be approached on a pre-contract agreement as soon as January of next year.
That could force United’s hand, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be readying a bid for the 28-year-old.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need a replacement for Pogba and Goretzka has been touted as a potential option.
Like Pogba, Goretzka will be available on a free next summer, meaning the German champions could sanction a cut-price deal in this window.
As first reported by Sport Bild, Bayern are now at something of a stalemate with both Goretzka and his midfield partner Joshua Kimmich over new terms - although the latter’s deal runs until 2023.
It is understood that Goretzka would like to stay at the Allianz, but his entourage are becoming ‘irritated’ by the lack of progress in negotiations.
New Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear he would like the German international to stay, while respecting his decision to assess his option.
He told Sky Sport in Germany: “Yes, he’s up for FC Bayern, he’s up for the team. I think you can see that in the way he plays. It’s also quite normal for a player to always think about his future.
“We all want him to stay here, he is an outstanding player who, with his goal threat, is certainly one of the most dangerous players in the Bundesliga, and also one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. For me he’s a cornerstone in the team.”
In the latest update from BILD, United are said to have offered a higher salary than his current club have,with Bayern set for a fresh round of negotiations in the coming days.
Meanwhile, United’s hopes of signing Eduardo Camavinga have been dealt a blow after the 18-year-old’s representatives made it clear his preference was to play in Spain.
Camavinga is another with just one year remaining on his contract and has no intention of staying at Rennes beyond next season.
There has been interest from United, PSG and Real Madrid, but Manchester Evening News claim he would rather play in Spain.
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