Mario Gotze: Liverpool end interest in Bayern Munich midfielder

Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze after signing Sadio Mane from Southampton.

The Liverpool Echo says Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is happy with the attacking options at his disposal, with £34m-winger Mane complementing striking options Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings.

The German has additional attacking options available to him in the form of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana.

Liverpool got in touch with Gotze's representatives before the commencement of Euro 2016, but the paper says reports of the Germany international visiting Melwood are wide of the mark.

Klopp worked with the 24-year-old at Borussia Dortmund and had hoped he could bring the best out of the unsettled midfielder at Anfield.

Gotze initially indicated that he would see out the final 12 months of his contract at Bayern, but is now reported to be considering his options amid interest from Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.

He only made 14 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern last season, scoring three goals.

The midfielder also played four times for Germany in the European Championship but had no goals or assists to his name.

Benteke exit

Klopp is looking to strengthen other areas of his team, with Liverpool reportedly having a £12m ($15m) bid rejected by Udinese for Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski.

Meanwhile, Christian Benteke has edged a step closer to leaving Anfield after agreeing personal terms with Crystal Palace, according to the Daily Mirror.

The paper claims both Liverpool and Palace are confident of a transfer being sealed this week, with the Reds hoping to recoup most of the £32m they paid to Aston Villa for the Belgian striker last summer.

Benteke, whose contract with Liverpool runs until 2020, publicly criticised Klopp for "ignoring" him in March, and disputed the view that he did not fit the German's footballing philosophy.

The 25-year-old only scored nine goals in 29 league appearances for the Reds last season.