Liverpool’s hopes of signing Mario Gotze have been handed a major boost by incoming Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Gotze, 23, has grown frustrated at the Allianz Arena this season and had sought talks with the Italian over his role at the club next season.
But according to reports in Germany from Sueddeutsche Zeitung, a phone call between the duo last week saw Ancelotti tell the World Cup winner that it may be best for him to leave Bayern this summer.
World Cup winner Gotze joined Bayern three years ago, rated as one of the most promising footballers on the planet after bursting onto the scene at Borussia Dortmund.
However under Pep Guardiola Gotze’s career has stagnated, with the attacking midfielder struggling for regular playing time.
Last August his agent declared “his last two seasons have not been idyllic”, but things have only become worse this term.
Gotze has played 90 minutes on just NINE occasions this term and been untrusted in the Champions League knockout stages, behind the likes of Douglas Costa, Thomas Muller, Frank Ribery, Arjen Robben and Kingsley Coman in the pecking order.
As such Gotze has refused to extend his deal at Bayern without first-team guarantees.
But with none forthcoming from his new manager, Gotze is expected to leave this summer as he looks to get his career back on track.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is eager for a reunion with his former protege at Anfield, with a £20million move earmarked.
But Gotze’s former club Dortmund, who will sell club captain Mats Hummels to Bayern this summer, are also keen to take Gotze back to the Westfalenstadion, despite protests from supporters last month.
Prior to a 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen, the Yellow Wall produced a banner which read: “Milan or Madrid – Just not Dortmund. P*** off Gotze.”
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