Bayern eying RB Leipzig's Sabitzer
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E-mail Xinhua, August 20, 2021
By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Reigning German champions Bayern Munich are looking to update their squad, with RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel Sabitzer said to be their main target.
The deal is expected to be pushed through before the transfer window in Germany closes on August 31.
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic indicated the 2020 treble winners are exploring the market to fill gaps after several injuries hit the squad of new coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The 34-year-old recently mentioned that updates might be necessary to catch up with rivals from the Premier League in England and La Liga in Spain.
According to media reports, Salihamidzic and Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn skipped plans to only sign new arrivals in case of player sales.
Austrian international Sabitzer is said to have decided to join Bayern instead of considering reported offers from AS Roma and AC Milan.
Reports say negotiations won't be easy as Bayern is hoping for a transfer fee of 18 to 20 million euros, while Leipzig value the midfielder at around 40 million.
The 27-year-old is said to have told Leipzig about his intention to leave despite having a contract until 2022.
After 227 games, 52 goals and 42 assists for Leipzig, the midfielder would be following his former coach Nagelsmann and defender Dayot Upamecano, who both joined Bayern this summer.
After having won the 2021 German Supercup against rivals Borussia Dortmund, the Bavarians are turning their head to continental tasks.
Nagelsmann is not demanding new arrivals as openly as his predecessor Hansi Flick did, but the Bayern coach said additional transfers might help to achieve the season's goals.
While Upamecano and Niklas Sule at present meet the clubs' expectations, the team is lacking appropriate replacements at full-back.
Other reports speak of Bayern having joined the race for Dortmund striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian is said to be possibly a suitable replacement for 32-year-old Robert Lewandowski.
Reports from England say Lewandowski is considering leaving as he looks for a new challenge abroad. German media speak of a more likely contract extension, as Bayern said they are not willing to sell their top scorer. Enditem
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