Manchester United plotting a move to sign Bayern Munich outcast next summer: Reports
Manchester United are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka. The Red Devils are looking to add a midfielder in the January window as they continue to struggle in the league.
As per a report by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Goretzka will be offered an escape route from Bayern Munich by Manchester United. The midfielder is not a part of Vincent Kompany's starting XI plans, and has fallen down the pecking order at the Bundesliga club. The German is determined to stay and has not shown any interest in leaving the club.
Goretzka has a contract until 2026 with the reigning Bundesliga champions and was also linked with Barcelona in the summer. Manchester United were also said to be interested and are now back in for the German as they continue to deal with injury issues.
Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte in the summer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but the Uruguayan has not managed to impress. The Red Devils are also looking to sign a replacement for Casemiro, who has lost his place in the starting XI and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Manchester United target not part of Bayern Munich plans?
New Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany hinted in the summer that Leon Goretzka is not a part of his plans at the club. The former Burnley coach stated that he was communicating with the players when asked about the Manchester United and he said:
"It's important for us to simply say that we always communicate with the players, that everything is clear. That's important to me. Now we're only focused on the game."
Sporting director Christoph Freund also hinted that Goretzka's time at the club was over and said:
"Leon has been at Bayern for a very, very long time. He was very successful and is a great player. We spoke to him and made it clear to him that there's a lot of competition in his position. We are very well equipped there. Leon knows that. And that's why the situation is like this at the moment, and why he's not in the squad today. Not at the moment [there haven't been any offers]. But of course there are some interested parties for Leon Goretzka because he's simply a very, very good player."
The German has played just 14 minutes in all competitions this season at Bayern Munich. He scored in the 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb, came on for four minutes against Aston Villa, and was an injury time substitute in the 2-0 win over Freiburg.