Bayern Munich have reportedly warned midfielder Joshua Kimmich that they want a response to their new contract offer by early January.
Kimmich is approaching the final six months of his contract at Bayern and has already been identified as a potential free transfer in the summer, with Manchester City and Barcelona both heavily linked with the German.
The 29-year-old recently vowed to make a decision on his future in January but, according to Sky Sports Germanythis may not be enough for him Bayern.
Bayern have been looking for a response from Kimmich since early January, aware that replacing such a key figure would require months of research and preparation.
Club officials have made it clear publicly that they want Kimmich to be a cornerstone of the future and want to offer him a new deal, but the veteran midfielder has yet to make a decision, although he has promised to give his family an indication of his plans as early as Christmas.
As soon as January comes, overseas suitors like it Barcelona AND Man City could contact Kimmich and discuss a contract, which will only increase the pressure on Bayern as they look to compete with the riches on offer elsewhere.
Kimmich is not the only Bayern midfielder attracting interest from the Premier League, with Manchester United reported to be keen to sign Konrad Laimer at the request of the new coach Ruben Amorim.