Bayern Munich are eyeing up a January loan move for struggling Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.

The German giants are said to be targeting the out of favour Spaniard as Niko Kovac looks to bolster his offensive options ahead of their battle for the Bundesliga and Champions League.

However, according to The Mirror, Chelsea will require a £3million loan fee up front as well as half of Morata's £140,000-a-week wages to be paid before they will consider any deal.

Bayern Munich are eyeing up a January loan move for struggling Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata

Niko Kovac is looking to bolster his offensive options going into the business end of the season

Bayern are said to be wary of the cost of the deal though and could be put off at the size of the financial outlay on a player who has not showed signs that he would improve their front line.

Kovac's side are currently six points behind rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table and they also face a tough Champions League last-16 tie against Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Morata has scored nine goals in 24 appearances so far this season but has struggled for regular game time under Maurizio Sarri. He was once again left out of the match day squad for Chelsea's win over Newcastle on Saturday.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has admitted his club are looking to sign a centre forward in the January transfer window after selling Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla and Morata was not out of the question.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde refused to deny Barcelona's apparent interest in Morata

The league leaders want back-up for Luis Suarez after Sevilla agreed a €1million (£892,000) deal to buy Spain international Munir on Friday.

That means the Uruguayan is the only No 9 at the club, playing between Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele.

Asked about Morata, who has been linked to Barcelona in Spanish media reports, Valverde said: 'I can only say the same thing - that he's a great player, that he's at another team, that we respect that a lot, etc.'