Toni Kroos has been the subject of much transfer speculation of late but when asked by Bild if he might return to Bayern Munich this week, he insisted: “I ruled out quite a while ago playing for a club in Germany again and this is still the case”.

The 26-year-old was also heavily linked recently with Manchester United and Serie A champions Juventus, who have recently signed Miralem Pjanic from Roma.

It now appears that Manchester City, however, are emerging as potential suitors and when asked about the reported interest from Pep Guardiola, Kroos said: “You know that you should never rule anything out in football, but I enjoy a great deal of respect from Real.”

Kroos is set to play for Germany against host nation France on in the second of the Euro 2016 semi-finals.