Vincent Kompany immediately targets Liverpool star just days into Bayern Munich job

Liverpool's new transfer structure could be set for its first major test, with Bayern Munich keen on a move for Joe Gomez. All eyes will be on the response from Anfield.

Gomez is Liverpool's longest-serving senior player. The only one to predate Jurgen Klopp, that also means he arrived before Michael Edwards' time as sporting director. The transfer guru is now back with FSG in a 'head of football' position, and will no doubt play some role in the decision over the defender's future, alongside head coach Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes.

According to the report from the Mirror, Vincent Kompany is driving the interest in Gomez. A former defender himself, he has identified the Liverpool star as an ideal option, in part due to his versatility across the back line.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Goncalo Inacio price, Lutsharel Geertruida 'talks', Joe Gomez wanted

READ MORE: Liverpool tipped to go against Man City and push for firm Premier League ban

Liverpool also benefitted from that in the season just gone, with Gomez fielded at left-back, right-back and center-back, even being handed a couple of jaunts in midfield. That latter experiment was somewhat questionable, but underlines the sheer adaptability of the 27-year-old.

That same trait has earned him a long-overdue England recall. It was while away with Gareth Southgate's side in 2020 that Gomez suffered a severe setback, sustaining an injury that kept him out for months, shortly after he had played a crucial role in Liverpool's imperious title-winning season. The national manager has now capped him for the first time since then, valuing the flexibility he brings to the squad as it jets off for Euro 2024.

Edwards and Liverpool are reportedly minded not to entertain offers for Gomez. The club 'will issue a firm hands-off warning', with the defender viewed as 'a hugely important player' as Slot begins his tenure.

But depending on how hard Kompany and Bayern intend to push, Liverpool could presumably see this stance tested. Gomez played more than ever last season, but remains second-choice or lower in every position where he featured.

In other words, he's a squad player, but he's almost the ultimate squad player. What kind of offer it would take to lure him away is for Kompany to try and find out.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool would be foolish to completely shut down this avenue, but nor should it actively encourage Kompany. If Bayern comes in with silly money, perhaps there's a deal to be done, but the decision to deprive Slot of such a useful player could certainly not be taken lightly.

It does seem as though Liverpool is firmly minded to keep Gomez, which is a recognition of the contributions he made last season. It's nice to see him getting the credit he deserves at club and national level.