Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Leon Goretzka’s availability at Bayern Munich amid the German giants’ pursuit of Declan Rice… with Erik ten Hag an admirer as he plots a midfield review
- Erik ten Hag is eager to improve his midfield options at Old Trafford this summer
- Leon Goretzka does not want to leave Bayern, but is seen as a tradable asset
- Manchester United bosses are said to have the midfielder ‘on their radar’
Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Leon Goretzka’s availability as Thomas Tuchel plans a midfield review at Bayern Munich, a new report has claimed.
Tuchel raised eyebrows on the final game of the season – which was crucial as it sealed the Bundesliga title for Borussia Dortmund – when he replaced Goretzka despite only being on the pitch for 14 minutes.
Sky Germany report that that replacement “sent a message” to suitors that Goretzka is a moveable asset and that United reportedly have him “on their radar” as they look for midfield reinforcements for 2023/24.
Goretzka, who was labeled the “biggest disappointment of the season” in criticism from Didi Hamann, would like to stay in Bavaria but could fall victim to a reshuffle by Tuchel.
The midfield is a priority area for Manchester United this summer with Chelsea star Mason Mount a primary target and talks are still underway.
But Goretzka would add even more quality, especially with United unwilling to try to make Marcel Sabitzer’s move from Bayern a permanent contract.
Bayern boss Tuchel is a big admirer of West Ham star Rice and that deal could well lead to a series of moves in and out of Bavaria.
Mail Sport have previously reported that Rice is prioritizing a move to the Premier League over a move abroad this summer, with Arsenal emerging as front-runners in the race to secure West Ham’s captaincy.
Tuchel has his own intentions to lure the England international away from the London Stadium this summer, with the former Chelsea manager being a longtime admirer of Rice and believing the 24-year-old has all the attributes to be a success in the Bundesliga.
That would push Goretzka further down the pecking order and although he is under contract until June 2026, his future is considered up in the air.
MORE TO FOLLOW.