Man City & Barcelona target handed contract ultimatum | OneFootball

Bayern Munich have reportedly warned midfielder Joshua Kimmich they want an answer on their offer of a new contract by early January.

Kimmich is approaching the final six months of his contract in Bavaria and has already been identified as a potential bargain free transfer in the summer, with Manchester City and Barcelona both heavily linked with the Germany international.

The 29-year-old recently vowed to make a decision on his future in January but, according to Sky Sports Germany, that may not be soon enough for Bayern.

Bayern want an answer from Kimmich as early as the start of January, well aware that replacing such a key figure would require months of research and preparation.

Club officials have publicly made it clear that they want Kimmich to be a cornerstone of the future and want to offer him a bumper new deal, but the veteran midfielder is yet to make a decision, although he has promised to give his family an indication of his plans as early as Christmas.

As soon as January arrives, overseas suitors like Barcelona and Man City can make contact with Kimmich and discuss a contract, which will only ramp up the pressure on Bayern as they seek to compete with the riches on offer elsewhere.

Kimmich is not the only Bayern midfielder attracting interest from the Premier League, with Manchester United reported to be keen to sign Konrad Laimer at the request of new head coach Ruben Amorim.