Bayern Munich may decide to keep winger Douglas Costa amid conflicting reports regarding Juventus’ ongoing interest, claims Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
The Brazil international has generated plenty of transfer talk of late after finding himself stuck behind Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery in the Allianz Arena pecking order.
Bayern president Uli Hoeness has previously suggested that a sale could be sanctioned if any suitor met the required asking price, with talk of €40 million valuations doing the rounds.
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Rummenigge, though, believes Costa’s services could be retained, with Juve said to be cooling on a deal and Bayern eager to keep strength in depth within their ranks.
He told Merkur: "We are not sure whether it would not perhaps be better for Costa to stay.
"I always found him an interesting player. All he has to do is reach the same level again that he was playing at during his first season with us."
Costa joined Bayern in 2015 and netted seven times in 43 appearances during his debut campaign.
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He was able to match that return last season, but started just 14 Bundesliga fixtures under Carlo Ancelotti.
Added competition has also been drafted in for 2017-18, with Bayern completing a deal for former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry.
Costa has international aspirations to think about, with the World Cup just 12 months away, but Rummennige is confident the 26-year-old will not become a problematic presence if he is kept on and forced to fight for his place.
He added: "Bayern's big advantage is there's a World Cup at the end of the season and every player wants to qualify for it.
"In that sort of situation no player becomes sloppy or creates a big fuss."
Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City have also been linked with Costa in the recent past and could rejoin the hunt if Serie A champions Juve have decided to look elsewhere.
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