Bayern Munich Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of January 5

The January transfer window is finally open and with it a flurry of transfer stories linking players in and out of Bayern Munich. 

The reigning German champions have been on a stellar run of form this season, battering all who get in their way at home and abroad in Europe, and as such have built up a long list of admirers for players throughout their squad. 

We may only be a few days into one of the busiest months on the football calendar but the Bavarian giants already look hard at work on ensuring they get all their business done. 

Last updated: Wednesday January 7

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

On Wednesday, January 7 German newspaper Sport Bild confirmed that Bayern youth player Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would indeed join Bundesliga side Augsburg on loan until the end of the season. 

In the article(German) Bild quote the Danish international's agent, Soren Lerby, as he states: "Pierre-Emile goes for half a year to Augsburg. He should get some match practice. In May or June, we discuss how to proceed. " 

According to the German tabloid, the player missed Bayern's first training session of 2015 and was widely expected to make the move during the January transfer window. 

Arjen Robben

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Much is made of players coming or going from one club to the next throughout the January transfer window, but we rarely hear of stories suggesting that even the faintest rumours can upset a squad's priorities. 

For Bayern such a scenario has already sprouted up as according to The Daily Star on January 4, the club are now considering a new deal for star player Arjen Robben amidst renewed interest from Manchester United and Dutch coach Louis van Gaal. 

In the article, Paul Hetherington states: 

"

Robben is the winger United boss Louis van Gaal wants to add to his squad, having worked with him at Bayern and with Holland.

And Germany’s top club are so concerned about the Van Gaal-Robben relationship that they are ready to act.

Even though Robben signed a new £180k-a-week deal last year, Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has opened talks on an extension to that contract.

"

In the article the English tabloid state that Man Utd had now turned their attention to the Dutch winger following a firm no from Real Madrid in their pursuit of Gareth Bale. Which in turn has forced Bayern to raise their guard and tie Robben down to a new contract. 

We await to see if the in-form winger does indeed sign on the dotted line this month. 

Xherdan Shaqiri

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Robben may be in preliminary talks to spend a little longer in Munich but according to reports this week his team-mate Xherdan Shaqiri could be on his way to Italy without a moment's hesitation. 

On Sunday January 4, the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (Reuters report) stated that Inter Milan were to continue their January binge with the Bayern midfielder's signature this week. 

Yet in close pursuit remain Liverpool who according to The Mirror on January 4 have made a bid for the Swiss international. 

In the transfer round-up, David Maddock writes:

"

"He(Brendan Rodgers) faces stiff competition from Inter Milan and Juventus, but despite reports suggesting the diminutive Shaqiri wants to move to Italy, sources close to the player have revealed he will consider the Reds’ offer seriously, with Bayern keen to complete a permanent deal, rather than the loan agreement Inter prefer."

"

Then on Wednesday, January 7 the BBC reported that Premier League side Stoke had joined the race for Shaqiri's signature with quotes from their assistant manager stating that they had been made aware of his availablitly.

In the article Stoke assistant manager, Mark Bowen, states:

"

"There is genuine interest because he is a fantastic player. He wants to play regular first-team football. He's definitely on our list, but as you can imagine there is competition for a player of his ability."

"

With little game time and even fewer performances to show for his time in Germany, a January move seems all but inevitable for the young midfielder. Yet where Shaqiri will end up seems to be anyone's guess at this moment in time.