Marc Roca’s representatives have denied a contract agreement with Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich is expected to be busy in the transfer market over the next few weeks. Robert Lewandowski and Joshua Kimmich have publicly urged the club to make more signings. Die Roten is currently looking to add one winger and holding midfielder to the current squad.
The German club has been linked with few midfielders over the last 12 months. In the past few weeks, Marc Roca has emerged as the main candidate for the holding midfield role. Niko Kovac has reportedly advised the board to sign Arne Maier, but the club chiefs feel Roca is more suitable for this position.
Earlier this week, the Spanish media outlets had reported that Bayern has already agreed personal terms with Roca. However, Roca’s agency has completely denied these reports. The Grupo JM10 Sport told Sky Sports that Roca has not agreed terms with any club, but there are numerous clubs showing interest in the Spanish midfielder.
"“At the moment, we can not confirm negotiations with Bayern, there is nothing in that direction,”“But every day new clubs come around the corner. The player respects his contract with Espanyol and we’ll see what happens in the future.”"
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Bayern Munich were interested in signing Rodrigo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid for this holding midfield role. They were ready to pay his complete release clause, but the Spaniard chose Premier League over Bundesliga and completed a move to Manchester City this month.
After this setback, Die Roten shifted their attention to Roca and Hasan Salihamidzic reportedly went to Paris this week to make progress in this deal. Bayern will try to negotiate a fee below the €40 million release clause Espanyol has inserted in Roca’s contract. He still has three years left on his contract and Espanyol will use this as leverage to get the complete fee.
Kovac once again emphasized the importance of signing a new holding midfielder this summer. The Croatian manager insisted that Sanches will be staying at the club, but this decision is unlikely to alter their plans to sign a new midfielder. Kovac will have to make sure that he rotates well this season to give all midfielders adequate amount of minutes on the pitch.
Bayern meanwhile is still waiting for Leroy Sane to decide about his future. There were reports in England last week suggesting that Sane has decided to stay in England. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also poured cold water on the speculation, but Bayern is still hoping that Sane decides to move back to Bundesliga. The German club will have to look at the alternative targets if Sane ends up staying in Manchester.