Football Transfer: Bayern casting long shadow over Khedira

Several clubs have been linked withSami Khedira, chief among them Bayern and Arsenal, who have repeatedly been mooted as possible destinations for the midfielder. Though they have denied any contact with the World Cup winner, the Bernabéu suits are inclined to believe that there is no smoke without fire.

The Bavarian giants in particular are regarded with suspicion in Madrid, where there is a feeling that Bayern still hold a personal grudge over the loss of Toni Kroos and are determined to get even. The fans remain unable to understand, let alone accept, Kroos's departure and the higher-ups at the Allianz Arena want to respond with a coup that could heal some of those wounds.

Real Madrid plan to make another attempt to persuade Khedira to sign a new contract. Some consider this merely for show, a matter of course. However, such a move would also please Carlo Ancelotti, who considers that Khedira still has a lot to offer - particularly in the current circumstances, with Luka Modric injured and Asier Illarramendi yet to do enough to hold down a place. The latter point was hammered home by the ex-Real Sociedad man being named on the bench for the Club World Cup final in Marrakech.

The club can't help but feel that it is typical of German players to run down their contracts - they secured Kroos in part thanks to such tactics - and that Khedira's mind is made up. That won't prevent Florentino Pérez and co. from trying to talk the 27-year-old round, though.

Source - Marca