Bayern Munich are reportedly willing to entertain appropriate bids for Manchester United-linked midfielder Leon Goretzka this summer.
The Germany international has formed a formidable engine-room partnership with Joshua Kimmich for the past few years but came under fire for a perceived decline in performances last term.
Goretzka amassed a respectable six goals and six assists from 40 matches in all tournaments, although he only started 22 Bundesliga matches and is facing increased competition for minutes in the middle.
Thomas Tuchel has reinforced his midfield ranks with the signing of Konrad Laimer this summer, while Ryan Gravenberch is also expected to play a more prominent role next term, assuming the Netherlands international stays at the club.
Furthermore, Marcel Sabitzer has also returned from his loan spell at Manchester United aiming to reignite his Bayern career, which could threaten Goretzka's standing as a regular starter.
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The 28-year-old's contract still has three years left to run, but according to Sky Deutschland, Bayern will not hesitate to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer this summer.
The report claims that a fee as low as €40m (£34.4m) could be enough to prise Goretzka away from the Allianz Arena, although Bayern may hold out for closer to €50m (£42.9m)
Tuchel is supposedly planning to deploy Laimer as Kimmich's regular midfield partner for the 2023-24 season, while fellow new signing Raphael Guerreiro could also be utilised in an inverted role.
Alongside the signing of Laimer on a free transfer from RB Leipzig, the Bayern boss would also welcome another new midfielder arriving in Bavaria this summer, having lost out to Arsenal in the race for Declan Rice.
Goretzka is therefore no longer considered an undisputed starter in the engine room, and Manchester United reportedly remain attentive to the situation, despite splashing out an initial £55m on Mason Mount.
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Nevertheless, Goretzka is understood to remain happy in Munich and is not actively seeking a move away at this moment in time, but his stance could change if he does not receive assurances over his playing time.
The former VfL Bochum youngster made a name for himself at Schalke 04 before joining Bayern on a free transfer in 2018, and he has since registered 34 goals and 35 assists in 179 matches for the German champions.
Goretzka won his fifth consecutive Bundesliga title with Bayern last term, while he has also triumphed in the Champions League, Club World Cup, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Super Cup and German Super Cup.
Man United are still thought to be open to adding another new midfielder to their ranks this summer, as all of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek could be on the move in the coming weeks.
However, the Red Devils are currently focusing on getting a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana over the line in the coming days before turning their attention to a new big-money striker.
Ben Knapton
