LORIS KARIUS could be set for a shock return to the top of European football after reportedly emerging as a transfer target for Bayern Munich.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper, 33, has been included on the German giants’ shortlist as they begin planning for life after Manuel Neuer’s rumoured retirement.

According to Sky Germany, Bayern have been impressed with the Karius’ return to form in the Bundesliga.

Karius has enjoyed something of a revival since his reintroduction to German football.

Schalke signed the keeper as a free agent in January last year, with Karius establishing himself as the unquestioned starter between the posts.

The German side currently sit 17th in the table, but the stopper has managed to put in some eye-catching performances in Gelsenkirchen.

Karius, whose wife is glam presenter Diletta Leotta, has managed to keep three clean sheets in the league so far, including a heroic display in a 0-0 draw against the very side attempting to sign him – Bayern Munich.

After being rewarded with an extension following Schalke’s promotion back to Germany‘s top-flight division, Karius’ contract currently expires on June 30, 2028.

But contract or not, the Bundesliga champions are ready to pounce and offer the former Anfield star back to the pinnacle of European football.

A sensational move to Munich would also pave the way for Karius to make his first Champions League appearance since the Kiev horror show that cost Liverpool the 2018 final.

While Bayern are paving the way for Jonas Urbig to be their future No1, Karius is among the seasoned candidates tipped to provide cover in goal.

The shocking news comes just days after the stopper was left with gruesome facial injuries following a brutal collision with his own team-mate.

In a stomach-churning clash, Karius went down clutching his face after colliding heavily with colleague Robin Gosens during their weekend match.

He required immediate treatment and eventually left the field after the game was stopped for several minutes.

This was not the only calamity of the match, with the keeper gifting the opposition an opener after his botched clearance rebounded off Hoffenheim‘s Fisnik Asllani into his own net.

Yet despite the blood and the blunder, Karius could see a dream move to Munich which would complete the ultimate redemption arc – taking him from Anfield’s outcast straight back to Europe’s top table.