Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has reiterated that Brazilian winger Douglas Costa will only be allowed to leave if the clubs that are interested in signing him meet his asking price.
Juventus, Internazionale and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked to the 26-year-old trickster, but none appear particularly keen to shell out the rumoured £44m fee that the Bavarians are demanding for him.
Juventus have reportedly bid £35m for Costa, and are far from keen to bid any higher, with their focus on retaining the services of key men like Alex Sandro, amidst interest from Chelsea respectively.
Speaking to Bild, Hoeness revealed that the asking price was decided on by Bayern Director of Football Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and that “If someone pays the sum Rummenigge is asking for, then Douglas Costa will change club.”
Despite often being considered amongst Europe’s elite wingers, Costa has seen himself play something of a reduced role under Carlo Ancelotti, only featuring 23 times in the Bundesliga last season, and only completing the full 90 minutes on eight occasions.
If a true impasse has been reached, Max Allegri and the Old Lady could turn to Fiorentina’s Federico Bernardeschi, who is both younger than Costa, and likely to be cheaper.
There may still be a potential destination in Italy for the Brazilian however, as Gazzetta reports that Inter are interested in him, as new Nerazzurri boss Luciano Spalletti looks to get his feet under the table.