Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick turns to Mario Gotze for surprise return transfer

Hansi Flick has contacted Mario Gotze over a surprise return to Bayern Munich.

Gotze, 29, spent three years with the European champions earlier in his career, before returning to Borussia Dortmund.

This summer, the man who scored the winner in the 2014 World Cup Final departed the Westfalenstadion when his contract expired, having struggled to make an impact in his second spell in the North Rhine.

Gotze, who has struggled for form and with health issues in recent years, has been linked with moves to Italy, France and the Premier League over the summer - but has thus far decided against making a move.

Now Flick - whom Gotze knows well from their time together with Die Mannschaft - has contacted the former wunderkind over a return to the Allianz Arena.

Gotze, whom Bayern infamously signed from Dortmund seven years ago after paying his release clause, scored 36 times in 114 appearances during his first spell.

Flick and Bayern chiefs are still looking to add one more attacking player to their squad this term, to act as backup to the likes of Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman.

That is a role that may be ideal for Gotze, who would be a low-risk addition and is said to be keen on a return.

He recently declared: “I have ambitious goals and want to win the Champions League at all costs.”

Bayern would represent the ideal platform, given how his stock has fallen in recent years.

And Flick, who has been highly praised for his work since taking the top job at Bayern, may well back himself to get the best out of Gotze, if the player can prove his fitness.

Whether Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge or sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic would be willing to back such a move is the question, reports Sport Bild.

But Flick has an increasing amount of sway in Bavaria following his performance last season, when he went from being hired as a two-game caretaker to leading Bayern to a treble success.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose Chelsea future is in question, is another option, but will be difficult to prise away from Stamford Bridge unless they part with big-money - either via a permanent deal now, or a loan with an obligation to buy.