Bayern Munich confirm Mario Götze could return to Borussia Dortmund

Bayern Munich have confirmed that Mario Götze could be set for a return to Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarian outfit’s chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sport1, per the Guardian, that “talks with Borussia Dortmund have taken place,” before adding:

“There have also been talks with his agent, but the deal is not done just yet. Both clubs will have to reach an agreement over a transfer fee first. Götze has been at Bayern for three years and it did not work out for him. I am not surprised that Götze wants to leave. He is 24 years old and needs to play regularly.”

Though the deal isn’t done yet, that seems like fairly definitive stuff: past tense and all. Truth be told, this seems like a sensible move for all parties. Götze will return to a strong club at which he’s certain to get regular first team football, and Bayern will have an expensive benchwarmer off their books. It’s possible they’ll live to regret letting him go in the future, but for now, Carlo Ancelotti has clearly declared the one-time wunderkind surplus to requirements.

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer spending is set to continue with the signing of Marseille’s Georges-Kévin Nkoudou. (Guardian)

Liverpool are on the brink of signing Estonian veteran Ragnar Klavan from Augsburg. (BBC)

Global sensation Will Grigg received as many votes as Paul Pogba for UEFA’s Best Player in Europe award. (Sky Sports)

... while UEFA have confirmed the 10 players who have made the final shortlist. (UEFA)

Bayern’s Arjen Robben could miss the start of the season with a groin injury. (FC Bayern)

There are fears for Demba Ba’s career after he suffered a gruesome leg break playing for Shanghai Shenhua. (ESPNFC)

Alexandra Phelan’s interesting take on diving (Unusual Efforts)

Colin Millar’s Serie A 2001-02 title race retrospective (These Football Times)

Miguel Delaney has been assessing the transfer needs of England’s top clubs (ESPNFC)

Please don’t take anything in this section too seriously, for your own sanity.

Chelsea flop Diego Costa wants a return to Atlético Madrid. (Independent)

Liverpool’s Joe Allen has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Celtic. (Daily Record)

Real Madrid haven’t yet given up on signing Paul Pogba. (AS)

West Ham and Arsenal are battling over Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi. (Eurosport)

Liverpool’s spending is set to continue with the capture of Newcastle’s Georginio Wijnaldum. (Liverpool Echo)

West Ham and Leicester are both chasing Toulouse’s Wissam Ben Yedder. (Guardian)