Man Utd rejected in move for Bayern Munich midfielder

Manchester United have once again failed to convince midfielder Leon Goretzka to leave Bayern Munich, reports in Germany say.

Goretzka has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and a reduction in his role under new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who has handed him just 12 Bundesliga starts to date, sparked reports of a possible transfer in January.

Nothing ever materialised as Goretzka preferred to fight for his future at Bayern, but Christian Falk states United did not abandon their pursuit and have kept a close eye on the situation in the hope of a change in stance.

Head coach Ruben Amorim is looking to refresh his midfield and is said to be keen to snap Goretzka up this summer, when he will have just 12 months remaining on his contract.

Goretzka, however, has made it clear that he does not want to leave Bayern before his contract expires, firmly rejecting the chance to move to Manchester.

The 30-year-old's desire to fight for his place at Bayern in January has since been rewarded by a run in Kompany's side. He has started five of the last six Bundesliga games and has even started every Champions League knockout game to date.

Bayern, for their part, are not thought to be in a rush to part ways with Goretzka either. Instead, they are expected to cut ties with Joao Palhinha, who has played fewer than 1,000 minutes across his 21 appearances this season.

Amorim has publicly admitted he hopes to sign "one or two big players" this summer, with midfield one of several areas in need of reinforcements. A new striker is a priority and a new centre-back is also thought to be on the agenda, while a final decision will have to be made on the future of goalkeeper Andre Onana.

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