Leon Goretzka should move to AC Milan and form a formidable midfield partnership with Luka Modric, says German great Lothar Matthaus.

Goretzka is leaving Bayern Munich, with the midfielder set to return from the World Cup with Germany as a free agent.

But former Inter and Bayern midfielder Matthaus believes Goretzka's next move is clear, as he urged him to join Milan.

"I would see him fitting well alongside Modric. In the coming years, I can picture him taking on that challenge," Matthaus said on Sky Germany after Bayern beat Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final. 

Goretzka appeared in the closing minutes as a late substitute as Harry Kane's hat-trick saw Bayern to further silverware.

The 31-year-old would prove a valuable asset to any side in Europe, having scored six times and assisted another four goals across all competitions for Bayern this season.

However, Goretzka has somewhat fallen behind Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic in Vincent Kompany's pecking order for his two midfield spots.

He has still appeared 51 times for Bayern this campaign in all competitions, with 29 of those as starts.

"I would like to thank him because these eight years with him have been enjoyable. Leon has always been an example," Matthaus added on Goretzka's influence at the German giants.

With Julian Nagelsmann's side taking on the World Cup next month, Goretzka was understandably keen to focus on the upcoming football, rather than his future.

"I have not decided yet, and I would not say the choice will happen between the end of the season and the start of the World Cup," he said.

"I will simply decide when I feel the moment is right."