By Jordan Raza, dpa I Tuesdy, August 22, 2023
MUNICH – Bayern Munich are considering a bid for RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann if right back Benjamin Pavard leaves in the coming days, media reports say.
France defender Pavard has been unhappy for some time and has been linked in the media with a move to Inter Milan, with Manchester United also said to be interested. He wants to play centre back not right back.
Germany utility defender Klostermann, who has fallen down the pecking order slightly at Leipzig, is a candidate to replace Pavard in the final few days of the August window, the Münchner Abendzeitung, Sportbuzzer and other German media reported on Tuesday.
Klostermann’s deal in Leipzig runs until June 2024 and the Bundesliga side, expected by many pundits to be Bayern’s main rivals this term, would have to sell him now or in January to recoup a fee for the 27-year-old.
Leipzig already saw Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer join Bayern on a free transfer from the Saxons in July.
Bayern are stretched at right back anyway having allowed Croatia’s Josip Stanisic to join Leverkusen on loan.
Pavard appeared at team training on Tuesday, possibly for the final time, while new left back Raphael Guerreiro looked to be making progress after a calf muscle injury.
The 29-year-old Portugal international, who joined Bayern on a free transfer from Dortmund in July, has yet to play for his new employers but was pictured jogging.
Striker Harry Kane was missing from training due to the birth of his fourth child, just over a week after joining the club, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was again not there as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken leg.
