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Liverpool could be set to miss out on transfer target Julian Brandt after it was reported the winger is in talks with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich .

The 20-year-old is high on Jurgen Klopp's shopping list this summer as the Reds boss looks to bolster his attacking options for a campaign that could yet include Champions League football next term.

The winger has been scouted regularly this season by Liverpool, who are willing to test Leverkusen's resolve when the transfer market reopens by making a move for the £20million-rated attacker.

(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

However, a report from SportsBild on Wednesday claimed that Bayern Munich have held talks with Brandt 's representatives over a switch to the Allianz Arena in the summer, and discussions are "well advanced".

So do Liverpool accept defeat and start looking at alternatives or do they fight their corner and try and lure Brandt away from his homeland to test his mettle in the Premier League?

Speaking earlier this year, Brandt was coy when asked if he would consider a potential move abroad.

“You can take the step, but I don’t think you have to,” he told Deutsche Welle. “Those that back themselves to do it have nothing in their way.”

On the face of it, Bayern would appear to be a better proposition than the Reds, who are slogging it out for a place in the top of the Premier League.

They are almost certain to win the Bundesliga again this season for a fifth consecutive year - they have a 10-point lead over RB Leipzig in second - and head into the last eight of the Champions League as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

However, there may be hope for Liverpool in their pursuit of Brandt, and here's why.

Would Brandt get a game at Bayern?

The Bayer Leverkusen winger is seen as one of the burgeoning stars of German football, and at just 20, the wideman has time on his side to hone his skills, develop and improve.

However, can Brandt truly develop his game at Bayern, where their astronomy of stars would seriously reduce the game time of someone who is used to playing, having already made 23 appearances for Leverkusen this term?

A cursory glance across Bayern squad list shows a packed list that is bursting at the seams with star quality.

Brandt would have to dislodge the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa, Renato Sanches, Thiago Alcantara, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Muller in the attacking areas.

That's some serious competition.

Such a task was too much for Gotze

Brandt doesn't need to look too far afield to find an example of the grass not exactly being greener in the new pastures of the Allianz.

Germany's World Cup-winning hero Mario Gotze had the world at his feet when he traded in Borussia Dortmund in for Bayern in 2013, but the darling of BVB quickly found that he was just another player in Die Roten's squad.

Gotze struggled to break into the side at the Allianz Arena, before eventually returning to Dortmund in 2016 with his tail between his legs and a letter to the fans somewhat urging them for forgiveness for making the move in the first place.

"When I return to my home, I want to try and convince everyone - especially those who do not receive me with open arms - with my performances," said Gotze last summer.

The Klopp factor

Liverpool's charismatic German coach could be key to luring his compatriot to Anfield as opposed to the Allianz here.

The Reds manager was instrumental in helping turn the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Gotze, and Marco Reus into international-class players during his time as Dortmund coach.

The idea of coaching and developing players is a quality that is rarely seen long term at the top end of modern football due the demands for instant success, but Klopp has never swayed from his ethos during his time with the Reds or with Dortmund, and he may feel he can help mould Brandt into a regular German international.

And the chance to work under the influential Klopp would surely rouse the senses of a 20-year-old German attacker.

The road to the first team isn't as congested

While Bayern Munich can boast a galaxy of stars in their 23-man squad, Liverpool's substitutes' bench against Burnley on Sunday only highlighted an alarming lack of depth in the squad's attacking options.

Ben Woodburn is undoubtedly a star of the future, but replacing Philippe Coutinho on the hour mark was a lot to ask of a player who only 17 in October.

Similarly, Harry Wilson has had a fine season as the Under-23s captain, but his selection alongside Woodburn perhaps indicated the folly of refusing to recruit in January.

Undoubtedly, there is a need to strengthen this summer, and if Brandt was part of the squad, he would expect to feature prominently - something that wouldn't be guaranteed at Bayern.

Champions League?

Whisper is quietly, but Liverpool could return to the Champions League for the first time in three years next season.

The Reds are currently locked in a top-four battle, but crucially, currently occupy the final place, with a five-point lead over Arsenal, who have two games in hand.

A place at the table of Europe's premier competition next season is imperative to Klopp and the Reds' long-term goals, and would be a huge carrot for any potential recruits this summer.