Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka address transfer speculation amid Liverpool links

Both Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have dismissed claims that they could leave Bayern Munich this summer.

Kimmich had been touted as a target for Liverpool after German publication Kicker claimed that the Bavarian giants would be willing to listen to offers the 28-year-old, who has less than two years left on his current deal.

However, those claims have been put to bed, as Kimmich confirmed at a press conference that he will stay at Bayern Munich for the upcoming season.

Speaking ahead of the pre-season friendly against Manchester City at the Japan International Stadium in Tokyo (quotes via Liverpool Echo), Kimmich said: "I'm very certain that I will play the coming season at FC Bayern. I have no other plans."

Meanwhile, Anfield Watch also reported that Liverpool were considering Kimmich's teammate Goretzka as part of their rebuild. However, much like Kimmich, the Germany international confirmed his desire to remain at the Allianz Arena beyond the summer transfer window.

When quizzed about leaving the club, he said (quotes via Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg): "No. I love the club, I love the city, I love the fans."

Liverpool raided the Bundesliga for Dominik Szoboszlai earlier in the transfer window, but it seems Kimmich and Goretzka are unlikely to be swapping Germany for Merseyside this summer.

The Reds are in need of midfield reinforcements between now and the end of the transfer window, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson's moves to Saudi Arabia to be confirmed imminently.

It seems Liverpool's likeliest next signing is Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. Reports claim that the Reds have already agreed personal terms with the Belgium international. The Saints, though, want close to £50m for the 19-year-old, while Liverpool are reportedly planning an opening bid of £35m.