Brief-Soccer-Bayern interested in Stuttgart striker Gomez

BERLIN, May 23 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich are interested in signing VfB Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez, Bayern manager Uli Hoeness said on Saturday.

"We will strengthen the team step by step. Mario Gomez is a player who is very interesting for us," Hoeness told Premiere Television after Bayern beat Stuttgart 2-1 to finish second in the Bundesliga.

The 23-year-old Germany international, who has been a Bayern target in the past and scored against them on Saturday, has enjoyed an outstanding season - scoring 24 goals to help Stuttgart clinch third place.

(Editing by Justin Palmer; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)