Bayern Munich set to beat Liverpool, Chelsea & West Ham to transfer of ‘complete defender’

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey 

HITC understands that Bayern Munich are closing on a deal for Jonathan Tah – fending off interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United.

The 28-year-old, who has been at Bayer Leverkusen since 2015, helped the club win their first-ever Bundesliga title this season under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso.

Jonathan Tah was key in Leverkusen going the season unbeaten, securing DFB-Pokal glory and reaching the Europa League final by playing 48 matches in all competitions.

But despite Premier League interest, especially from West Ham United, who were knocked out of the Europa League by the German club, it’s Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich who looks set to win Tah’s signature.

Jonathan Tah Bayern Munich’s number-one defensive target 

Bayern have made Tah their number-one defensive target and the Bayer Leverkusen star, who will feature for Germany at Euro 2024, has made it clear that he would like to move to the Allianz Arena.

For the first time since 2012, Bayern went trophyless and then parted ways with manager Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.

Understandably, changes are going to be made, and with Tah being one of the best-performing defenders, he is the right fit, in that regard.

Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham’s interest in Jonathan Tah

HITC understands Tah was someone being looked at closely by Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham United – who all recognised the hard-hitting defender as one of the most complete central defenders in Europe. 

Indeed HITC is told that West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten was particularly keen on landing Tah this summer.

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Sources confirm that Tah was open to the prospect of moving to England, but the chance to join Bayern is always a tough option to turn down for a German player.

Chelsea have already added a centre-back to their ranks this summer when they beat Newcastle and Manchester United to the free signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.

Liverpool also need to add depth, especially with Joel Matip leaving, whilst West Ham parted ways with David Moyes and replaced him with Julen Lopetegui.