MLS side Cincinnati FC have emerged as leading contenders to sign Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller this summer.
Mail Sport understands the Eastern Conference outfit have the discovery rights for Muller who came off the bench to score for Bayern in their Champions League quarter final first leg defeat to Inter Milan on Tuesday evening.
The hugely popular former Germany international has a number of clubs showing interest Stateside as well as potential offers from Saudi Arabia and Europe.
LAFC, partner club to Bayern, San Diego and FC Dallas have also been credited with interest as Muller prepares to make a decision over his next career move in the coming weeks.
Muller is understood to be looking for a multi-year contract worth around 5-6m dollars a year
However, Cincinnati, coached by Pat Noonan, are understood to have first call should the US be his chosen destination.
MLS side Cincinnati FC have emerged as frontrunners to sign Thomas Muller this summer
Muller announced his exit from Bayern Munich in an emotional social media post last week
The 35-year-old has scored 248 goals and won 27 trophies at Bayern since his debut in 2009
The 35-year old is due to play for Bayern at the Club World Cup this summer before formally bringing down the curtain on a 25-year association with the German giants. He has also been offered a testimonial.
For now, he wants to concentrate on making telling contributions, whether from the bench or starting, as Vincent Kompany’s side look to seal another Bundesliga title and salvage a place the Champions League semi finals.
‘Of course I’d be happy to start,’ Muller told Bild. ‘Everyone enjoys playing. Nevertheless, we also need players who can come off the bench and decide games or help steer the team in the right direction. Everyone has their role, which the coach defines before each game, and he does so with the utmost knowledge and awareness.
‘Especially for me, it’s important that I radiate that now, that this is about the bigger picture. It doesn’t feel like I’m on some kind of farewell tour, but rather we’re in the middle of the action here, and that’s how we act, and that’s how I feel.’
