Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has a 'secret passion' for Bayern Munich, even though he's insisted publicly he'll be remaining with the Seagulls.

That's according to SportBILD, who say the Italian feels a 'secret passion' for Munich after a recent trip to city where he was shown the sights.

They explain that Bayern physio Gianni Bianchi is friends with the Brighton manager and that's seen De Zerbi travel to Munich to visit him. During those visits he's been shown all the popular places by his friend, such as the Italian restaurant H'ugo's (that is not a typo) and Munich's old town. That's led to De Zerbi being a secret fan of Bayern and the city and he is enthusiastic about a move there should it be available to him.

The big issue is that Bayern's bosses are concerned about the number of staff he would want, with eight following him to Brighton when he went there. That number would be too big for those in charge at the Allianz Arena and it's given them doubts.

He may then have to lower his demands on that front if he wants the move this summer, something he is secretly keen on according to SportBILD.