Bayern Munich clarifies transfer intentions for Hiroki Itō

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund stated the club did not intend to sell defender Hiroki Itō this summer. While reports suggested internal discussions regarding a potential transfer, head coach Vincent Kompany advocated for retaining the player to maintain squad depth. Elsewhere, Liverpool officials expressed surprise at inquiries from Bayern Munich regarding young player Rio Ngumoha. No official offer for Ngumoha was received, and the club maintains he is not for sale. In other league news, Newcastle United plans to pursue Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane during the January transfer window, though the club faces competition from Aston Villa. Meanwhile, former Bayern Munich captain Sebastian Rode has begun a one-year trainee program with Eintracht Frankfurt to study club management across various sporting and administrative departments.

• 4:00 AMYahoo Sports — Bayern Munich News: Liverpool baffled by FC Bayern inquiry on Rio Ngumoha; Did Bayern want to sell Hiroki Itō?; and MORE!