Bayern pull contract offer for Liverpool and Man City target Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich is out of contract in the summer but has long been in negotiations with Bayern about extending his stay in Bavaria.

Bayern have already agreed extensions with key players such as Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer and it was expected that Kimmich would follow suit.

The 30-year-old remains a vital cog in Vincent Kompany’s side and has notched up 11 goal involvements so far this season in his 36 appearances in all competitions.

And speaking earlier in the week, Bayern’s director of sport Max Eberl insisted that the club were still keen to agree terms with Kimmich over an extension to his deal.

‘We have taken a clear position and now we have to see whether we can get it done,’ he said. ‘I can’t force anyone [to sign].

‘I can only say that we would like to extend with him. We would like to see him as one of the faces of FC Bayern in the future, but it’s up to him to decide.’

However, German publication Bild has now reported that the club have withdrawn their offer of an extension having grown frustrated with Kimmich’s hesitancy.

The withdrawn offer is said to have also included a pay rise for Kimmich which could now be entirely off the table in any future negotiations.

And while Kimmich’s exit is far from certain – and negotiations could well resume – the latest twist undoubtedly increases the likelihood of the German international departing the club in the summer.

Such an outcome would likely place several Premier League clubs on red alrert, with Liverpool and Manchester City previously credited with interest in the 30-year-old.

Kimmich, who can play right-back as well as in central midfielder, may be viewed as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold who is out of contract with Liverpool in the summer.

City, meanwhile, could also look to reunite Kimmich with former Bayern manager Pep Guardiola as they look for a replacement for Kyle Walker who is expected to leave the club permanently in the summer.

Kimmich is currently facing a spell on the sidelines having picked up a hamsting injury in the first half of Bayern’s 4-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.