Liverpool could look to beat Bayern Munich again in the transfer window, but this time, the situation appears to be a bit different.
The German champions were keen to sign Florian Wirtz, but he chose to join Liverpool.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao emerged as an option for both Bayern and Liverpool, but it appears that the Bavarian club have cooled their interest in the Portuguese winger.
Rafael Leao – what’s the latest scenario?
Rafael Leao in action v Bologna
(Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
Liverpool are edging closer to finalising a deal for Wirtz, but the Reds could still be looking to add more quality to their star-studded squad.
Leao has emerged as an option for the Premier League champions.
Former scout Mick Brown has claimed that the Reds are considering a summer move for the AC Milan forward.
Federico Chiesa could return to Italy this summer, while the futures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are far from certain.
Brown claims that Liverpool could spend big money on Leao.
Gianluica Di Marzio reported earlier this month that Bayern could make a serious move for Leao.
The Sky Italia journalist said that the German giants could bid in the region of £42m-£50m for the 25-year-old attacker.
Foot Mercato added that Bayern are ready to offer a massive fee of around £63m to lure Leao away from Milan.
The French news outlet added that Bayern would be willing to offer either Leon Goretzka or Kingsley Coman to sweeten the deal.
Christian Falk has told CF Bayern Insider that Bayern chief Max Eberl held talks with Leao’s agent on May 30, the day before the Champions League final.
However, the talks have not progressed since, and it appears that they have cooled their interest (Unlike Wirtz, who rejected the move to Bayern), which could work in Liverpool’s favour if they are serious about signing him.
What options do Bayern have if they miss out on Leao?
As it stands, Bayern will need more than one winger in the summer window after Leroy Sane agreed to join Turkish club Galatasaray.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams remain their dream target, and they need to trigger his £50m release clause to sign him. The 22-year-old is also demanding a high salary, which could be a major obstacle.
Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo is another option, but it won’t be easy to persuade the Reds into selling him unless the offer is ridiculously high.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is on Bayern’s transfer wish list as well, but it is not clear at this stage whether they will move for him at all.
READ MORE: The Bayern Insider: The truth about Cody Gakpo & Rafael Leao transfers