Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac did nothing to dampen speculation surrounding a possible bid for Chelsea teenager Callum Hudson Odoi after admitting the club need more ‘young players’.

Hudson-Odoi has long been touted as one for the future at Chelsea, having played a starring role in England’s victory at the Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri started the 18-year-old in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City in August, where he flashed his talent, but has been mainly limited to Europa League appearances since.

His future has been brought into question even further with the signing of USA international Christian Pulisic, another wide forward, while Bayern are on the hunt for their own.

The Bundesliga juggernauts need an injection of fresh talent on the wings with 34-year-old Arjen Robben on his way out and Franck Ribery, 35, also likely to leave in the summer.

And though Kovac did not mention Hudson-Odoi – who has been linked with a €33 million move – by name, the Croatian conceded new recruits could be in order with his team creeping up in age.

“We always need young players,” said Kovac. “It is my job and the job of (Bayern Munich sporting director) Hasan Salihamidzic to change the team as the team does not get any younger.”

He added: “If a player is good it doesn’t matter how old he is.

“We are looking for younger talented players but also players who are ready because the young talented players need time to develop.”

Hudson-Odoi is stalling on a new contract at the bridge and Chelsea assistant coach Gianfranco Zola has acknowledged that Bayern are ‘very interested’ in the youngster’s services.