Bayer Leverkusen eager to keep Jonathan Tah amid Bayern Munich interest

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has expressed his desire to keep Jonathan Tah at the club, amid Bayern Munich's interest in the defender.

Jonathan Tah appears to be on Bayern Munich's list of targets for the summer transfer window as they look to try and overhaul their squad and challenge for the Bundesliga title next season. The centre-back has played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen's success this season. And with his contract expiring at the end of next season, Bayern may look to lure him to Bavaria in the summer.

Simon Rolfes has now made it clear that the newly crowned Bundesliga champions are not looking to part ways with Tah at the end of the season. The Bayer Leverkusen sporting director has added that they are planning to hold contract talks with the Germany international soon. “We want to keep Jona and extend his contract beyond 2025," Rolfes told BILD on Thursday. "We'll hold [contract] talks after the season, right now the focus is on achieving maximum success. And Jona thinks the same way.”

According to BILD, Bayern Munich value Tah at around 20 million euros. But Bayer Leverkusen are keen to keep the 28 year old at the club, and a high transfer fee would likely be needed for them to sell to a direct rival.

If Bayern Munich do intensify their efforts to sign Jonathan Tah, they would likely need to sell a centre-back in order to make room. Dayot Upamecano would then likely be the top candidate for sale.