Man City star claims Bayern Munich tried to sign him this summer but the club refused to sell

A member of Manchester City's treble-winning side has revealed the club knocked back an offer from Bayern Munich over the summer.

One man not permitted to leave was backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega despite his lack of game time.

Since arriving from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022, Ortega has only featured in four Premier League games.

With Ederson the clear first-choice, Ortega's only start this season came in October's 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 31-year-old found himself on the radar of Bundesliga champions Bayern, who needed a new goalkeeper after Manuel Neuer suffered a broken leg in February.

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel opted to start Sven Ulreich until Neuer made his long-awaited return to action last month.

Ortega did play every minute of City's FA Cup campaign in 22/23, including the final against United at Wembley in June.

He still hopes to be a number one again, whether at the Etihad Stadium or elsewhere.

"The good thing is that the fire is still burning inside me," he continued. "I still realise that it triggers me when I’m on the bench, for example.

"I think I took a huge step last year by not only getting the cup games but also the [Champions League group] game in Dortmund."

City return to action against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Ortega could get the nod in goal, with City already qualified from Group G and a game with Tottenham Hotspur coming up. Guardiola may use the midweek fixture as an opportunity to rotate his team.