Liverpool’s hopes of landing Mario Gotze have been dealt a hammer blow after the World Cup winner pledged to stay with Bayern Munich.
Jurgen Klopp had hoped for an Anfield reunion with the playmaker who originally rose to prominence under his tutelage at Borussia Dortmund.
That hope was enhanced after incoming Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti appeared to have given Gotze the green light to pursue a career away from the Bundesliga champions.
But as the Reds and Dortmund prepared to do battle in the transfer market, the 23-year-old appears to have had a change of heart and is intent on remaining at the Allianz Arena.
He told Bild: “I look forward to the new season in Munich and will do everything possible to be in top shape for my first training session under Carlo Ancelotti.”