The Bavarians were keen on the Germany international last summer and are considering signing the defender after Euro 2012, but will have to ready an offer of at least €15m

€15 million. It is believed that, following the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, he will be willing to make the move to Munich.

By Nikolai Mende Bayern Munich are preparing a bid for Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes can exclusively reveal. Chairman Uli Hoeness recently revealed the Bavarians' intent to sign a centre-back , citing Daniel van Buyten's age as cause for concern that his side need new options in defence. And Howedes is among Bayern's top candidates for a move in July.The Bundesliga record champions held talks with the 23-year-old in the summer of 2011, but Howedes was declared off-limits as Schalke boss Clemens Tonnies refused to sell both his star defender and then-captain Manuel Neuer in the same transfer window.However, according to a Goal.com source, Schalke agreed in the summer of 2011 to hold talks over a possible sale of their current skipper in 2012.Howedes is under contract at Schalke until 2014, and the Gelsenkirchen side will only consider a bid in excess of