Liverpool and Tottenham dealt transfer blow as Mario Gotze looks set for Dortmund return

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had been widely linked to one of his former players at Borussia Dormund in Mario Gotze, but it looks like he will have to do without the German World Cup winner at Anfield.

Klopp was the manager who promoted Gotze to the Dortmund first team in 2009-10, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become an integral part of the side that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Ever since the manager’s arrival at Anfield, there has been talk of a reunion with his former player.

The Reds’ Premier League rivals Tottenham recently entered the fray as well, approaching Bayern for the 24-year-old midfielder as manager Mauricio Pochettino is on the look out for an attacking midfielder to strengthen his squad. Gotze and Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United are reportedly the top targets.

However both English clubs are set to be left clutching at thin air. Gotze has agreed personal terms with his former club Borussia Dortmund, according to German publication Bild. The report goes on to say that Dortmund are preparing a €23 million bid for their former midfielder, while Bayern Munich will hold out for a fee of €27 million.

BVB will probably raise their offer, given that their current financial situation is strong. Their transfer budget has been further bolstered by the sales of key trio Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Mario Gotze has struggled this past season after enjoying two relatively successful seasons at the Allianz Arena since moving from Dortmund. The 24-year-old midfielder scored three goals and registered four assists in only 14 appearances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in 2015-16. His failures at Bayern and lack of game-time have prompted Gotze to seek a move away this summer.

A large number of fans have not forgiven Gotze for his departure for Bayern in a €37 million transfer in 2013. However the club hierarchy are willing to ignore the fan fury and give the German another chance at the club where he spent his formative years as a footballer.

The acquisition of their former star would cap off an impressive summer of buying for Dortmund. They have already landed Marc Bartra from Barcelona, Sebastian Rode from Bayern Munich and the highly sought after youngster Ousmane Dembele. BVB are also being strongly linked with a move for German international Andre Schurrle from rival Bundesliga club Wolfsburg.