Bayern Munich have confirmed their interest in Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The 22-year-old Germany international, who has scored six times across his 12 caps, helped Schalke reach the winter break in second place behind Bayern in the Bundesliga and he has been strongly linked with a move to the Allianz Arena.
"Leon Goretzka is a great player, that's clear," Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said.
"He is a Schalke player and we obviously respect that, but he is a Germany international and we can say that we are interested in him."
🗣@Brazzo: "Leon #Goretzka is a great player, that's clear. But he is a @s04_en player and we obviously respect that. But he is a Germany international and we can say that we are interested in him." pic.twitter.com/rOcmSs5mjB
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) January 3, 2018
Goretzka has reportedly attracted interest from clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool.
His agent recently denied reports that the player has already agreed to move to Bayern.