The reports came after Chelsea made a formal offer for Muto worth a reported $5.9 million, which would have been a record transfer from the J-League to an overseas club. But with the English team's depth of talent and experience, particularly up front, there were concerns Muto might struggle to get playing time.

The German league, where Japanese players including Shinji Kagawa have thrived, would be likely to offer Muto more opportunities to get off the bench, the Sports Nippon said. An FC Tokyo spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports. Muto began his professional career at FC Tokyo last year, scoring 13 goals in 33 games to match the first-division record for a player in his rookie season.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

The baby-faced striker also made his debut for Japan in 2014 and bagged his first international goal in a 2-2 draw against Venezuela in September. Muto has eight goals in 11 games this season, helping FC Tokyo move into joint second place in the J-League standings just one point behind leaders Urawa Reds.