Bayern keeping eye on Goretzka

Bayern Munich assistant manager Hermann Gerland says his side have been monitoring Bochum talent Leon Goretzka.

The 16-year-old has made great strides this season with the 2.Bundesliga club’s youth teams and, according to Gerland, is a prospect the Bavarians intend to sign.

“(Goretzka is) a young player who is very interesting for Bayern Munich,” the 57-year-old told Fussball-Vorot.

“I have spoken with VfL (Bochum) and said that I am interested in bringing this player to Munich.”

A left-winger, Goretzka scored six goals in eight appearances for Bochum’s under-17 team this season before making the jump to the under-19 level, where he has found the net six more times in seven matches.

Bochum, however, have vowed not to let their rising star leave just yet.

“We want to show him that in Bochum he has better means to get into professional football,” VfL sporting director Jens Todt said.

“What help would it be for him if he were to sit on the bench or only be used in the second team at a big club?”

In addition to Bayern, Juventus are also said to be interested in Goretzka.