Leeds United handed January transfer boost for Dominik Livakovic with Bayern Munich pulling out of race
Bayern Munich have pulled out of the race to sign Leeds United target and Croatia's World Cup goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
According to Media Foot [12 December], Leeds have initiated contact with Livakovic's agent over a move in the January transfer window.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Bayern had also begun talks with the 27-year-old as they view him as Manuel Neuer's long-term replacement.
He wrote on Twitter, "News #Livakovic: Talks between his management and Bayern have already started! In order to replace Neuer. Early stage."
However, shortly after this story broke, Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn decided to set the record straight and while he was full of praise for the Croatian keeper, he ruled out the Bundesliga champions making a move for him.
He told Russian media outlet RG on December 12, "Livakovic is worthy of praise. Such a goalkeeper must play in a top club. I have no doubt that this will be the case in the new season. But at the same time, it does not fall within the scope of our interests."
This will undoubtedly have come as a major boost for Leeds who would've found it difficult to sign him had Bayern still been in the race.
The Bavarian outfit would offer the player Champions League football and would also sell him the idea of being the replacement for one of the best keepers of the current generation.
They also are extremely rich and would be able to offer him a bumper wage hike to move to Germany.
Leeds' pursuit for Livakovic still hinges on Illan Meslier's future as Chelsea and Manchester United will be looking to snap him up in 2023.