Newcastle's hopes of signing 'natural talent' with 112 caps for his country suffer a blow

By Tom Avery

Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn has revealed that contract discussions with Thomas Muller have been “very positive”.

The 32-year-old’s contract at the Allianz Arena expires next summer and the Bavarian giants are keen to tie the German legend down to a new deal.

Bild reporter Christian Falk reported late in the January transfer window that Newcastle United admire the German and wanted to bring him to the Premier League in what would have been an eye-catching move.

PIFs well-documented desire to to bring the influential forward to St James’ Park highlights the ambition and calibre of player they want to attract to Tyneside.

But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update which is likely to pour cold water on the Toon Army’s chances of convincing Muller to make the move to England instead of committing to the Bundesliga champions.

Romano has relayed Kahn’s comments via Twitter.

Muller has been at his influential best yet again for Julian Nagelsmann’s side this season. Bayern’s number 25 has 12 goals and 23 assists from 41 matches this season.

No player across Europe’s top five leagues has more assists than the German.

Despite setting up Robert Lewandowski in last night’s Champions League quarter-final second leg, Muller’s Bayern crashed out of this year’s competition to Villarreal.

Muller remains a key player for club and country, but it seems the likelihood of him donning the Geordies beloved black and white shirt is dwindling.

Contract talks may break down with Bayern a move to Newcastle could prove to be an appealing option but all the signs point to Muller, who ex-Germany coach Joachim Low calls a ‘natural talent’, extending his stay in his homeland.

Eddie Howe was unlikely to have seen Thomas Muller as a realistic option and it seems his name could be soon wiped off the summer transfer targets list.