Malik Tillman to Rangers transfer latest as Bayern Munich hold door open but mystery 'interest' could scupper return

Bayern Munich are reportedly yet to make a decision on Malik Tillman's future - leaving the door open to a permanent return to Rangers.

But interest in the USA international from elsewhere could throw a spanner in the works as an "outstanding" season at Ibrox has the vultures circling. Tillman was crowned the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and was one of the shining lights in a dreary Rangers season. On loan from Bayern, he hit 12 goals and five assists and Michael Beale admitted he'd love to take him back once his loan expired.

They still hold a £5m option to buy but that will need to be exercised soon or they risk Bayern naming their price for the 21-year-old. According to SPORT1 in Germany, the Bavarian club are keeping their options open with Tillman and are yet to decide on his future. There is turmoil behind the scenes at Bayern with the departure of sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and may be waiting for Rangers to decide whether they want to trigger that option before making up their mind.

Should the Ibrox side opt against it then Bayern could cash in elsewhere and likely for more than the fee in question. It's claimed there is plenty of interest "in leagues other than Scotland" in the US international.

The option to buy had been tipped as a no-brainer given Tillman's form last season but £5m is a significant chunk out of the budget when there is plenty of work needing done elsewhere. And given the scale of the rebuild which has begun with deals for Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell, the club may decide to invest funds elsewhere to maximise their value for money.

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