After reports that Bayern Munich are keen on signing Phil Foden from Manchester City, insider Christian Falk has told SportBild that he's too expensive for the Bundesliga giants.
Reports of Bayern's interest in Foden stem from TEAMtalk, who report that manager Vincent Kompany admires the playmaker and would be interested in taking him to Bayern.
However, the same outlet also suggests that City have no desire to move the England international on, and Foden, amid a lack of opportunities at present, is prioritising remaining at his boyhood club.
The 25-year-old has only ever played for City, making 360 senior appearances since graduating from the academy, and though he's been dropped to the bench on a few occasions this season, his focus remains firmly on the Etihad outfit.
A follow-up report from insider Falk suggests that there is even less chance of Bayern landing him, as they aren't looking for his style of player and feel he's too expensive in any case.
Falk said: “Phil Foden is a name that would immediately make the hearts of Bayern fans beat faster. However, the fact is that FC Bayern is not looking for a player of his calibre. His market value of €80million is far above the budget that sporting director Max Eberl has available for an attacking player.
"The club only wants a backup for Luis Diaz on the left wing and not a player with aspirations of being a regular starter. All of Foden's other positions are also filled by top-class players at Bayern. In the centre, they just extended [Serge] Gnabry's contract, who is currently filling in for [Jamal] Musiala.
"On the right, Bayern has Michael Olise, perhaps the best winger in Europe right now. And then there's Lennart Karl, who has a bright future in Munich. Therefore, Foden is currently not an issue for Bayern."
Foden nearing new City deal
It is reported that contract talks between City and Foden are progressing, with the second-placed Premier League side having no plans to part with their star.
That means there is no desire to entertain offers, whether or not there are clubs in Europe who would be willing and able to land the Englishman.
With that said, there's reported to be surprise from leading European clubs that Foden does not regularly start for the Three Lions, meaning there is clear respect for his talent.
Foden has played in six of 12 games for England since Thomas Tuchel took charge, and had little impact in games against Uruguay and Japan in the last international break.
Tuchel has stated it is "not a guarantee that he will come" to the World Cup.
