Jamal Musiala has reportedly put contract talks with Bayern Munich on hold amid interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest prospects and has established himself as a key player for Bayern since making his senior debut in 2020.
Musiala has scored 32 goals and registered 25 assists in 133 appearances across all competitions for the Bavarian giants and has already won 10 trophies including four Bundesliga titles.
The 24-cap Germany international elevated his game to new heights last season, contributing with 16 goals and 16 assists in 47 matches for Bayern, and he has since been nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy award.
Bayern are believed to be keen to tie Musiala down to a new long-term contract, even though his current deal is due to expire in June 2026.
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However, according to Bild, contract talks between Bayern and Musiala have been suspended for the next few months, alerting interested clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The report adds that Musiala was promised that he would become the face of the club's future, but he is currently having to rotate with Thomas Muller for regular starts, leaving Bayern in a 'dangerous situation'.
Former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is said to have held a meeting with Musiala in April about a proposed new deal, but such discussions are 'now at rest'.
Bayern are prepared to significantly increase Musiala's €8m-a-year salary and make the youngster one of the club's top earners, but the midfielder intends to assess his options for the time being.
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Musiala's reduced role under head coach Thomas Tuchel is said to be 'gnawing' at the midfielder, who may therefore consider an exit from Bayern in search of a starring role elsewhere.
The report goes on to state that the German has been on Liverpool's list of transfer targets for 'a long time', with compatriot Jurgen Klopp believed to be an admirer of the youngster.
Liverpool have also been linked with Musiala's teammate Leroy Sane as they allegedly plan for life without Mohamed Salah, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are also among the clubs interested in Musiala, who is a close friend of Los Blancos' new Galactico Jude Bellingham and played alongside the Englishman at youth level before choosing to represent Germany.
It remains to be seen whether the Spanish giants would be prepared to splash the cash on Musiala at a time when they are believed to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward, with Kylian Mbappe known to be their number one target.
Oliver Thomas
