Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Gotze Unrest Blamed on Pep Guardiola Amid Rumours

Former Bayern Munich striker Giovane Elber believes Pep Guardiola is partially responsible for Mario Gotze's reported discontent at the club amid rumours he could be moving to Liverpool.

According to an exclusive from Goal's Reda Maher, Elber said:

"

My view on Gotze is that he had a few injuries which caused him to leave the squad—and he appears to be one of those people who is effected when he’s outside of a normal working group.

I think that’s where a coach needs to lend that emotional support—and I’m not sure that Guardiola did this. I’m not sure Guardiola touched base with him to make sure he wasn’t feeling isolated. 

He is a player who can give much more than he has but he could be helped with more emotional support.

"

The German has been linked with a reunion with former mentor Jurgen Klopp following their time at Borussia Dortmund, and El Confidencial's Kike Marin (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo) reported Liverpool have begun negotiations with him.

Gotze has spent much of the current campaign injured, but since returning to fitness, he has struggled to break into Guardiola's plans, per Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney:

As Sky Sports Football further revealed, the 23-year-old has contributed less in his limited showings this year than he has in previous seasons:

Even so, he has managed to accrue four goals and three assists in just 758 minutes of play this season—not spectacular but certainly a respectable total, particularly after a hamstring injury restricted him to the sidelines from October to February.

DW Sports' Stefan Bienkowski believes he has not been able to develop his game in three campaigns with Guardiola as his manager:

Reuniting with Klopp could reignite the midfielder's career, as he was able to bring out the best in him while they were at Dortmund together. 

Whitney also said Gotze would benefit from a move elsewhere and believes he may not even discuss his future at the club with incoming manager Carlo Ancelotti:

Gotze would certainly be an excellent purchase for Liverpool, who have room for a marquee player to join Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in their attacking midfield three behind Daniel Sturridge.

Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby shared the Germany international's impressive record for Dortmund and Bayern:

The playmaker's incisive passing and creativity in the final third could add a real edge and a touch of class to Liverpool's attacking play. 

Rumours surrounding his impending departure from the Allianz Arena seem to be gathering steam, so it wouldn't be surprising if he were to call time on his Bayern career this summer.

While Gotze will have plenty of suitors who can offer UEFA Champions League football, Anfield is a destination he'd likely give great consideration to thanks to Klopp's presence there.