Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann says he is confident that Leon Goretzka will extend a contract due to expire in less than a year's time.
Goretzka, a Germany international, has been linked with a move to Manchester United, who are on the hunt for additions to their midfield, and so far there has been no indication of a deal being strung between the player and Bayern Munich. The 26 year old was a key figure under Nagelsmann's predecessor Hansi Flick and with Bayern relatively light on senior midfield options following Javi Martinez's departure in the summer it seems logical that his role would be just as significant this season.
That is of course assuming he stays and having lost David Alaba on a free transfer this summer Bayern may feel compelled to cash in on Gortezka should he indicate he does not wish to extend his spell at the Allianz Arena. For now, however, Nagelsmann is optimistic of retaining him.
"I'm not involved enough that I have a say every day," Bayern's new manager said after a 3-0 friendly loss to Napoli. "I stay out of these issues. Of course I have talked to him about my plans for him. I've told him I'd be happy if he extended and I'm also confident. There are several topics involved when it comes to discussing a contract extension.
"I'll continue to focus on the sports side of things and show him he can be one of the most dangerous midfielders in Europe. He has potential to get even better."
Though it will ultimately count for nothing if Bayern enjoy a successful season in the Bundesliga and Europe, the preseason has seen the German champions wobble out of the starting blocks, drawing against Ajax and losing games to Cologne and Borussia Monchengladbach before Saturday's heavy home defeat against the Partenopei.
So far Bayern have made one signing for a fee this summer, securing center back Dayot Upamecano from Nagelsmann's former club RB Leipzig for $50 million.
"I said before that I'm taking over a well-functioning team," he said. "I haven't had the full team yet. On Monday we will be complete when others return, and then it's about finding the rhythm in training. I'm not worried about these scores. I think the first half today was good. We had control and played well, but we didn't manage to create a lot of chances in the final third.
"Our task as a club is to always observe the market. We have a good squad, but we can always improve it. Every coach in the world wants the best possible team."
