Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has branded Leon Goretzka "an important part of the team", with the German giants working to keep hold of the central midfielder.

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding Goretzka's future, with Manchester United believed to be determined to sign the Germany international during the January transfer window.

Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim is thought to be keen to bring in a new midfielder in January, and Goretzka has allegedly been identified as a target due to his difficult situation in Munich.

The 29-year-old has found it tough to secure regular starts this term, but he has been named in Bayern's starting side for their last two league matches, providing an assist in Friday's 3-0 success over Augsburg.

Joao Palhinha's recent injury has opened the door for Goretzka to potentially enjoy a run in the side, with the latter likely to start against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League next week.

Bayern fighting to keep Goretzka amid Man United talk

Goretzka only has a contract at Allianz Arena until June 2026, but Eberl has said the the club are planning to open discussions over a new deal in the near future, having previously spoken with his representatives during the summer.

"We will discuss what the future holds with him again. We spoke to Goretzka in the summer and he decided to stay. We are happy that he's here. He's an important part of the team," transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quotes Eberl as saying.

Goretzka made the move to Bayern from Schalke 04 in July 2018, and he has represented the Munich giants on 231 occasions in all competitions, scoring 41 goals and registering 47 assists in the process.

Amorim is said to be keen to bring a number eight to Man United in January, and a low-cost deal for Goretzka is said to be attractive for the Red Devils due to his quality and skill set.

Standing at 6ft 2in and boasting an impressive frame, Goretzka would bring a presence to the Man United midfield, while he has won five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups and the Champions League during his time at Allianz Arena.

What would Goretzka's arrival mean for Casemiro, Eriksen?

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both started Man United's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

However, the former was replaced early in the second period by Manuel Ugarte, before Joshua Zirkzee came on for Eriksen in the 68th minute, with both players struggling to make their mark.

Eriksen is out of contract next summer and is unlikely to be offered a new deal, while Casemiro is also being heavily linked with a departure, with the Brazilian not thought to be in Amorim's long-term plans.

There was good news from a midfield point of view against Ipswich, though, with Kobbie Mainoo back on the bench, and the England international could make his first appearance in nearly two months when Man United return to action against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday night.