Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle for the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer, according to reports.
The 28-year-old is out of contract with the Bundesliga champions in the summer of 2025 and has been attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
Kimmich is yet to extend the four-year contract he penned in 2021, resulting in speculation he could depart Thomas Tuchel’s side at the end of the season as Bayern would look to receive a fee for the German.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the northwest rivals are at the front of the queue for the player currently earning more than £300,000 per week.
The report highlights the changed landscape in Munich from the one in which Kimmich extended his deal. In 2021, his commitment was overseen by then-CEO Oliver Kahn and director Hasan Salihamidzic.
Joshua Kimmich has attracted interest from clubs across Europe as his contract draws closer to its expiration
![Man United have sought to address their expensive squad following the £1.3bn investment into the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/02/16/79480629-12919445-The_club_are_in_a_state_of_flux_as_they_wait_for_Sir_Jim_Ratclif-a-81_1704212054089.jpg)
Man United have sought to address their expensive squad following the £1.3bn investment into the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe
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The pair have since been dismissed in the shake-up that took place immediately after the Bavarian giant’s record-extending 11th straight league title at the end of last season.
Kimmich has remained a permanent fixture in the Bayern team when he has been available this season. He has started all 11 of his appearances in the league, with his only absences coming through suspension and illness.
Tuchel has exclusively used the Champions League winner at the base of his midfield but Kimmich is able to play higher up as well as at right-back and even in central defence.
Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion investment at Old Trafford, United have set about crafting the squad that will take them forward.
Mail Sport reveled that the club have decided against triggering an option to extend Raphael Varane’s £340,000-a-week contract by 12 months leaving the defender free to hold talks with foreign clubs over a summer transfer.
![Liverpool's seemingly hasty summer move for Wataru Endo has paid dividends as the 30-year-odl has excelled at the base of the Reds midfield in recent weeks](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/02/16/79538791-12919445-image-a-80_1704211870680.jpg)
Liverpool’s seemingly hasty summer move for Wataru Endo has paid dividends as the 30-year-odl has excelled at the base of the Reds midfield in recent weeks
United are also seeking to reduce the wages of their highest-earning players more generally to free up resources for new signings next summer as they battle to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have found £16m signing Wataru Endo to be more than apt cover for their hole in defensive midfield. The Japanese international has impressed since making the switch from Stuttgart, while Trent Alexander-Arnold continues his move towards the centre of the park.