Bayern demands media stop reporting 'false claims' regarding Gotze transfer

Bayern Munich has put its foot down on reports linking Mario Gotze away from the Allianz Arena, publishing a sternly worded message regarding the German media's treatment of the Germany international.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away from Bayern, but with Carlo Ancelotti taking the helm in 2016-17, Gotze is now reportedly set to stay. However, German media outlets like Suddeutsche Zeitung have claimed Bayern told Gotze to "either leave the club or face a season without Champions League football," reports ESPN FC.

It's a report Bayern denied entirely, with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge even threatening legal action in response.

"FC Bayern Munchen has demanded that various media sources cease and desist from reporting false claims," the club wrote in a statement on its website. "It has been reported that FC Bayern has 'threatened' Mario Gotze by stating he would not be nominated to play in the Champions League if he remains at the club."

Rummenigge added: "This is complete fiction. It remains the case that we will resolutely defend ourselves against all false or even malicious reporting using all legal means available to us."