Anfield side linked with interest in Bayern Munich star.
The Daily Express have linked Liverpool with a summer move for Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze.
The German international moved to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013 but started just 20 of the club’s Bundesliga fixtures in his debut season and though his playing time increased in 2014/15 it appears those around the player feel he should be playing a more prominent role at the club.
Gotze’s agent Volker Struth slammed Allianz Arena boss Pep Guardiola for ruining his client’s career, stating;
“Guardiola has destroyed Gotze. He feels like the coach doesn’t have faith in him and yet still he is asked to be decisive when he gets on the pitch,” [Bild via Goal].
Tellingly, Gotze didn’t start either of Bayern Munich’s semi-final fixtures against Barcelona nor did he make the first eleven for the DFB Pokal semi-final against Borussia Dortmund, Guardiola’s side failed to progress in either competition.
Gotze is valued by the Daily Express at £49.6m, a fee that is virtually the same as that which Liverpool received for Raheem Sterling [via the BBC].
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has had a very busy summer thus far, but a move for Gotze could prove difficult given his side’s lack of Champions League competition next summer.
The Anfield outfit have already brought in James Milner, Adam Bogdan, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne, and the Merseysiders have also made an offer of £32.5m for Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke [via the BBC], a fee that triggers the Belgian’s release clause.
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Gotze is a hugely talented attacking midfielder who can play in either an advanced central or wide role.
The 23-year-old bagged 16 goals in his final season at Borussia Dortmund and has amassed 30 goals in 92 appearances over the course of his two campaigns in Bavaria.
Should Liverpool move for Gotze, they may yet face competition from Manchester United and Juventus, who are both understood to be keen on the attacking midfielder, according to the Express.