Bayern deny report Kimmich to leave, taking legal action

MUNICH: Bayern Munich are taking legal action against a Stuttgart newspaper for reporting that midfielder Joshua Kimmich is to leave the club at the end of the season.

Bayern said on their website that they are taking the action against the Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper for what chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge called “a monstrous fallacy.”

Rummenigge said: “This story lacks any foundation. Joshua Kimmich has a contract with Bayern until 2020 and will definitely play for Bayern next season.”

Kimmich, a 22-year-old versatile midfielder who has made 13 appearances for Germany, is reportedly unhappy he did not feature as much this season under coach Carlo Ancelotti as he did under predecessor Pep Guardiola.

Kicker magazine reported that Spanish sides Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as Manchester clubs United and City, are interested. AP