Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn has ruled the German giants out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham as talk of a switch to Liverpool intensifies.
Bellingham has become one of the world's most coveted players since joining Borussia Dortmund as teenager back in 2020 and a host of European heavyweights have been courting a big-money deal for the England star in recent months.
The 19-year-old is believed to be a top target for Liverpool, who are expected to make their move their next summer. However, the Reds are likely to face stiff competition for Bellingham, who has evolved significantly over the past 18 months.
While it is anticipated that every top club around Europe will give consideration to pursuing Bellingham, Bayern Munich have indicated they have no desire to get involved in a transfer scramble for the midfield prodigy.
The Bavarian giants have form for pinching some of Borussia Dortmund's best players - but Kahn, one of the club's greatest ever players, has confirmed that Bayern are "not thinking" about repeating that trick when it comes to Bellingham.
“Of course Jude Bellingham for me is an outstanding player,” the legendary German shot-stopper told BILD. “However, with [Joshua] Kimmich, [Leon] Goretzka, [Marcel] Sabitzer and [Ryan] Gravenberch, we're very well equipped in this position. So we're not thinking about that at all.”
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Bayern's withdrawal will be welcomed by Liverpool, but they will not underestimate the other teams who are likely to compete for Bellingham's signature - and it has been revealed that the Reds are already lining up alternative targets.
Sky Germany understands that Liverpool are monitoring Jamal Musiala and could launch an audacious bid for the teenager if they are unable to lure Bellingham to Anfield.
Musiala has flourished in Munich since leaving Chelsea's academy as a youngster, making a big impression for both club and country over the past 12 months, and he would help reinvigorate Liverpool's ageing midfield.
The 19-year-old German international, who represented the England national team at youth level, has previously opened the door for a future switch to the Premier League, admitting that all the "big stars" go there.
But Munich are unlikely to have any appetite to part ways with one of their most prized talents - especially if they are unlikely to enter the bidding war for Bellingham next summer.
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has already stressed that Musiala is not for sale. He said: "It is important that Jamal plays for Bayern for a long time. Of course he is not for sale.
"He's an amazing boy, a Germany international. We need a guy like that. If I were to think about giving this boy away somehow, I'd be crazy. He will play for Bayern for a long time."
