Bayern Munich have been scouting Bordeaux star Malcom with a view to a possible transfer bid, head coach Jupp Heynckes has confirmed.
The Brazilian has produced a number of eye-catching displays in Ligue 1 and was heavily linked with Arsenal and Tottenham in the January transfer window, although a move failed to materialise.
"I don't know the player that much but he is certainly the focus of our scouting department, with Hasan Salihamidzic at the top, just like many other players," Heynckes told Sport Bild.
"[Salihamidzic] has very clear ideas; he is driving the planning forward. He knows exactly what player he would like to have. He has high-quality players in mind."
Good session to kick off the new week March 5, 2018
"Kingsley's absence is a big loss for us. He is the rising star of this season," said the 72-year-old.
"With his speed and dribbling, he was worth his weight in gold to us. Kinglsey can't be replaced like-for-like.
"Of course Ribery isn't a youngster but he is capable of very great things emotionally. I trust him, like Arjen, to produce top performances until the end of the season.
"In mid-April, the directors will sit down with the players and decide how to proceed."
Heynckes also praised the improved form of James Rodriguez, who has become a key part of the side after initially struggling following his loan move from Real Madrid.
"When I came, he was isolated. There was hardly any communication. His standing in the team has grown," added Heynckes.
"James needs guidance, a talk on how football is played here. In 2014, he was at the World Cup with Colombia as an attacking midfielder. Now, he is showing his huge potential again.
"He intuitively does things that others don't have in their repertoire."
