Lothar Matthaus is hoping that Marco Reus becomes the latest Borussia Dortmund star to end up at Bayern Munich, arguing that it would be the best outcome for both the player and German football.
Relations between the two Bundelsiga sides have become increasingly strained in recent seasons, with Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski both having left Signal Iduna Park for the Allianz Arena over the past 18 months.
Dortmund have now been enraged by Bayern's public pursuit of Reus, whose contract, which expires in 2017, allegedly contains a buy-out clause that will drop to €25 million next year.
But Matthaus feels his former club's interest in the 25-year-old attacker is wholly understandable given the advancing years of some of their star players, and admitted that he would like to see the Germany international move to Bavaria.
"The important thing is he stays in the Bundesliga," the 59-year-old told reporters at a media event hosted bySky. "It would be a pity if he left for Spain or England.
"Uli Hoeness once said that it was Bayern's duty to buy every German national team player. That's why I was amazed by the sale of Toni Kroos [to Real Madrid] to buy Xabi Alonso, who is nine years older. For the future, Kroos might have been the better choice.
"Bayern Munich has to think about the future and they're doing that: Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben – all of their performance levels will drop a little bit in the next two or three years, so stability can get lost.
"I am therefore convinced that Bayern has to look for younger players to fill the voids these players will leave someday.
"If I was in charge at Bayern I would think about [signing Reus]. With Reus this is not about economic reasons; this is about the chance to win titles.
"Maybe success in Dortmund is more emotional. But, at the end of the day, nobody is ever asked which title was more emotional."
While reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern are riding high at the top of the table once again, Dortmund are rock bottom after a dismal start to the season.
The loss of last season's top scorer, Lewandowski, has hit BVB particularly hard, with summer signings Ciro Immobile and Adrian Ramos having thus far failed to prove adequate replacements for the prolific Pole.
It has also been claimed that Dortmund are suffering from something of a World Cup hangover but Matthaus feels that their poor form is more down to their poor dealings in the transfer market and an ensuing lack of confidence.
"Ciro Immobile and Adrian Ramos can't replace Robert Lewandowksi; that's clear," the former Germany captain stated.
"Dortmund invested a lot of money. They're saying, 'The new players are good; they only need time.' But you don't have time in football.
"I was a fan of Dortmund's style in recent years, but now you can barely compare it. The confidence is missing; the joy. But it will come back.
"Nobody in Dortmund wants sympathy. Borussia has gotten into an avalanche which they thought they could stop any week.
"But the players could not stop it. I am convinced they will win some points soon.
"The World Cup can't be the problem. Of course it was exhausting and the holidays were shorter. But the player's success should have been a huge motivation for them.
"I experienced it myself, in 1990. My best year was the one after the World Cup - despite the short holidays.
"It was like coming into the stadium as a gladiator to destroy the opponents. That's why I think the World Cup is only an easy explanation.
"Dortmund did not expect a situation like this. Neither the bosses or the players. Now they are confronted with something there were not prepared for. That's why they are craving the winter break."
Indeed, Matthaus is in no doubt that Jurgen Klopp's men can turn their season around in the new year.
"They can use the winter break to work on things, mentally, and then get out of the relegation zone," he added.
"A place in the top nine is possible; a spot in Europa League, too.
"Except for Bayern, no team [in the Bundesliga] is stable. If they have a good spring, European football is a realistic target."
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