Former Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis hoping for Bayern Munich move

Former Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos is apparently keen on a move to rivals Bayern Munich, amid the current injury crisis in their ranks.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos wants to join Bayern Munich, with Sky Sport reporting that he has rejected a move to Spanish side Real Betis in the hope that the reigning Bundesliga champions will look to sign him. The 35 year old, who spent five years at Borussia Dortmund before joining Arsenal, is currently a free agent after leaving Olympiacos at the end of last season.

Bayern Munich are considering signing a new centre-back due to the injury crisis in their ranks, with Dayot Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt both currently sidelined. But with the transfer window not open at the moment, Bayern can only pursue a move for a free agent.

They came close to signing Jerome Boateng earlier this month, but ultimately decided against a move for the former Germany international due to criticism from supporters.

The report adds that Bayern are yet to hold formal negotiations with Sokratis. But they are expected to make a decision on whether to sign a new centre-back this week.

Sokratis joined Borussia Dortmund from Werder Bremen in 2013 and made a total of 198 appearances for the club. It will be interesting to see if he ends up joining Bayern in the coming days.

Bayern Munich are currently third in the Bundesliga standings, having won five and drawn two of their opening seven matches. They are two points shy of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.