Bayern Munich emerge as frontrunners for Stuttgart starlet | OneFootball

Stuttgart defender Ozan Kabak is in line to join Bayern Munich this summer after they took the lead in the race for his signature.

The 19-year-old is widely expected to depart the Mercedes-Benz Arena following his side’s relegation to the second tier.

As a result, nine clubs have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Kabak from Stuttgart.

Turkish TV channel TRT Sport claim that of the nine teams, Bayern are now best placed to sign the defender, although it depends on their own business.

The German champions will only finalise a move for Kabak if they lose one of their own senior centre-backs.

Mats Hummels has been linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund, while Jerome Boateng is also edging towards an exit.

If one of those players departs Bavaria, the former Galatasaray man will be brought in as a long-term replacement.

Kabak only joined Stuttgart in January for a fee of €11m and won the best newcomer of the year award, despite being unable to prevent his side from the drop.

The release clause of €15m in his contract would be enough to see him leave Stuttgart, despite having five years left to run on his contract.

Among the other clubs who are keen on Kabak are Inter, Porto, Schalke and West Ham.