Erik ten Hag's unwanted transfer target forced out and Man Utd could save millions

Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to force Leon Goretzka out of the club just one year after Erik ten Hag was rumoured to be eyeing him up for his Manchester United midfield.

New manager Vincent Kompany was victorious in his first competitive match on Friday as Bayern beat Ulm 4-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. But Goretzka – a veteran of more than 200 appearances for the German giants – was not even named in the matchday squad.

Keeping his cards close to his chest, Kompany said: “As a club, we always want to be clear with the players, that is the reality. We do that internally within our family. We don’t need to say anything publicly.”

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bayern will make it clear to Goretzka that he is not part of Kompany’s first-team plans this season. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic started at the base of midfield against Ulm, with new signing Joao Palhinha coming off the bench.

The situation could play straight into United’s hands if Ten Hag reignites his interest in Goretzka. Last summer it emerged that United had held internal talks over signing the German and were weighing up whether to submit a formal bid.

Based on recent developments, a reasonable offer made before this summer’s deadline would stand a good chance of being accepted as Bayern look to part ways with the 29-year-old.

The fact Goretzka has been deemed surplus to requirements will likely have seen his price tag tumble since United showed interest last year, making him a more affordable option than the Red Devils’ current top midfield target, Manuel Ugarte.

Paris Saint-Germain reportedly wanted to recoup the £51million they paid for Ugarte, and United are undecided on whether to spend so heavily on a player who may not go straight into the starting XI ahead of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo.

Burnley’s Sander Berge is also said to be an option, with United sporting director Dan Ashworth keeping a close eye on the market during the final stages of the window. It remains to be seen whether Goretzka reappears on the club’s wish list after part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul of the transfer department.

There are no current talks taking place between United and Bayern, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid believed to be leading the race for Goretzka.