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Ryan Gravenberch will ‘make it clear’ to Bayern Munich that he wants to leave as he seeks to complete a summer transfer to Liverpool.
The Dutch midfielder is fed up of his bit-part role with the Bundesliga giants and reports claim he is keen to join the Reds, who have a ‘concrete’ interest in the 20-year-old.
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Gravenberch is one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents and was snapped up by Bayern last summer for an initial £16million, rising to £20m with add-ons, from Ajax.
But he has seen his game time limited during a disjointed first campaign in Germany – which has seen Julian Nagelsmann sacked and replaced by Thomas Tuchel – making 28 appearances in all competitions but making just four starts.
His situation and vocal displeasure at his position in the squad has alerted Liverpool, who see the youngster as a top class and more affordable alternative to Jude Bellingham, having pulled out of the race for the England and Borussia Dortmund star.
Speaking out recently about his lack of game time, Gravenberch said: “Training and playing at the top level for a year is beautiful and instructive… I say playing, but it’s mainly training. That has to change next season. It’s clear that this role does not match my expectations.”
Despite his frustrations, reports have claimed that Bayern and Tuchel want to keep Gravenberch and will not listen to offers for the youngster.
However, according to Christian Falk from German outlet Bild – via Caught Offside – Bayern will think about cashing in for the right offer, hoping to reclaim the £20m they spent plus a small profit.
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And the player appears keen to make the move, with Falk explaining how Gravenberch ‘had a big smile on his face’ when he was asked recently about Liverpool’s interest.
Falk also claims the Reds have even held two separate talks with the player’s representatives and have a ‘concrete’ interest in signing him this summer.
“There was a meeting with Ryan Gravenberch’s management in Liverpool and in the Netherlands,” said the German journalist. “So he is aware of Liverpool’s interest, the interest is concrete.
“I talked with Ryan after the match with Manchester City about his interest and he didn’t want to comment on it. But he had a big smile on his face, so it was clear that the Reds’ interest is an honour for him.
“He didn’t want to comment, of course, because he has a contract and he’s aware of [Bayern sporting director] Hasan Salihamidzic’s plan to keep him.
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“But for sure, he’s not happy with the situation in Munich and he will be also discussing with Thomas Tuchel when they make the squad for next season, which I told you will be in a few weeks, and then they will find a solution for him.
“Bayern Munich is saying no at the moment, but their position on the matter isn’t set in stone. If you can get money for him, they will think about it and you saw on his face that he would be very keen to be a player of Liverpool.”
Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild his midfield this summer with a host of players set for the Anfield exit door.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave at the end of their contracts, while Premier League veteran and dependable general James Milner has been linked with a free transfer to Brighton.
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