Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has played down reports that centre-back Jerome Boateng will be allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

There were claims in Germany that Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all keen on signing the former Manchester City defender when his contract expires but Salihamidzic says Bayern are yet to sit down with the player to discuss his future:

“We all know that Jerome has a contract until June 30th, 2021 and we will talk to Jerome and his management at a reasonable time and make a fair decision for everyone. This is not an issue for us at the moment.”

Considering Boateng is 32 years of age, it would be a surprise if Chelsea do go after him. They may have signed another veteran, in Thiago Silva, on a free transfer last summer but the Blues have more than enough centre-backs in the squad.

Malang Sarr will return from his loan spell at Porto next campaign and, if Silva signs a contract extension for another season, it means manager Frank Lampard will have six centre-halves at his disposal. That would leave very little room for someone like Boateng.