Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Gotze Crunch Talks Planned, Latest Rumours

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has invited Mario Gotze to discuss his future with him in the summer amid rumours he could be heading to Liverpool. He has also dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Borussia Dortmund. 

Gotze has been linked with a move to Anfield but Rummenigge told Schwabische Zeitung (h/t FourFourTwo):

"

We are in the important weeks of the season, so we concentrate on the here and now. This is all that counts.

When all the games are done, Mario is invited to come to my office and speak with Bayern on his future.

Everything else is speculative. Neither Mario nor his agent has expressed themselves about this subject.

"

On Dortmund, he added: "This is wrong. We have a good relationship, but there have not been talks on Mario Gotze with [Dortmund CEO] Hans-Joachim Watzke."

Earlier in April, it was reported by El Confidencial's Kike Marin (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo) the Reds had held talks with the German over a possible move.

The 23-year-old has had a difficult season with Bayern Munich after spending much of it injured, and he has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola's plans since returning to fitness.

According to team-mate Thomas Muller, the midfielder isn't completely content with the situation, per DW Sports:

Despite failing to have the same impact he had with BVB or develop his game significantly at the Allianz Arena, Gotze remains an excellent player. In 224 appearances for the two clubs has scored 65 goals and assisted 67.

His most famous goal came for his country, though, as he netted the decisive goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final for Germany, per football writer Stefan Bienkowski:

A versatile playmaker who can play across the central and wider attacking midfield positions, Gotze possesses all the attributes of a successful No. 10—his array of passing, composure on the ball and goal threat make him an outstanding talent and one who could add real class to Liverpool.

WhoScored.com give a rundown of his statistically calculated strengths and weaknesses:

If he is to leave Bayern in the summer his most likely destinations appear to be former side Dortmund or the Reds, where he could reunite with former mentor Jurgen Klopp. 

Bienkowski explained the difficulty he might have in returning to Signal Iduna Park and why a move to Liverpool would be an obvious decision:

Carlo Ancelotti will be arriving at Bayern in the summer and that could give Gotze a fresh start, but until the Italian takes charge and his situation becomes clearer the speculation will only continue.

Liverpool are also reportedly hoping to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud, according to the Guardian (h/t the Mirror). He is expected to cost £30 million.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

The 20-year-old is an excellent all-round midfielder who shines brightest when he's in possession thanks to his magnificent distribution, ability to evade tackles and keep the ball under pressure and intelligent play.

He has four goals and eight assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season, which shows his ability to contribute going forward, and he is also willing to help out defensively as football writer Alex Chaffer revealed:

Indeed, according to Squawka he has created 25 chances, won 39 tackles and made 41 interceptions.

Football writer Jack Lusby believes he and Emre Can would complement each other well at Anfield:

Dahoud and team-mate Granit Xhaka are set to be in high demand this summer, but the club can ill afford to lose both of their young midfield stars.

He would be an excellent purchase, but he'll be difficult to snap up, particularly if Xhaka moves on.