RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMichael Olise is the reigning Bundesliga Player of the Season -Credit:Daniel Kopatsch, Getty Images
Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has delivered a firm message to Liverpool, insisting that Michael Olise 'will' remain in Germany for the upcoming season. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield as the Reds seek a wide forward to fill the void left by Mo Salah's departure.
Real Madrid are also in the hunt for the Frenchman, who dazzled at the FIFA World Cup, registering seven assists across eight matches, building on an already exceptional campaign with Bayern.
The winger accumulated 48 goals and assists in 52 appearances as Vincent Kompany's squad romped to the Bundesliga title and claimed the DFB Pokal. It comes as little surprise that Bayern are determined to retain Olise and are reportedly set to table a lucrative new contract, as per The Mirror .
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However, Freund appears unfazed by the speculation surrounding his star player. When pressed directly on Real Madrid's reported interest and suggestions that Olise is eager to join Los Blancos, the Bayern chief replied: "This is absolutely not an issue for us.
"We're delighted that Michael is back from his holiday. He'll play an important role for FC Bayern this season, just as he did last season, too."
Freund's comments came following a 2-1 friendly defeat against third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden for a youthful Bayern outfit, with high-profile names including Olise and Harry Kane anticipated to feature as pre-season progresses.
Last month, reports emerged that Real had submitted a £130 million ($173 million) bid for Olise. However, the Spanish giants released a statement denying any 'direct or indirect' contact with the 24-year-old.
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Part of the statement read: "Real Madrid also wishes to highlight the excellent institutional relationship it maintains with Bayern Munich -- with whom it shares a long history of mutual respect, collaboration, and admiration -- and regrets the circulation of speculation which does not reflect reality."
With Bayern holding firm on their position, both Liverpool and Real have been compelled to seek alternatives to Olise. One such option is RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, for whom Real are reported to have tabled a £85 million ($113.1 million) offer this week.
Leipzig turned down the proposal and are holding out for a minimum fee of £100 million ($133.1 million). Liverpool are additionally monitoring Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola and AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche as potential options to strengthen Andoni Iraola's squad.
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