Bayern considered Hleb bid

Gomez remains long-term target for German champions

Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Alex Hleb Barca unveiling

Hleb: Was wanted by Bayern

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Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims the club considered signing Alexander Hleb from Arsenal.

Hleb had been linked with a move to Bayern before joining Barcelona last week, with Rummenigge confirming the German champions' interest in the midfielder.

Rummenigge admits a bid hinged on players leaving the Allianz Arena and he is now not expecting any further arrivals before the close of the transfer window.

Mario Gomez is also a target for Bayern, but a bid for the Stuttgart striker is not likely to be made until next summer.

Chapter closed

"We're not planning anything else for this summer," Rummenigge told reporters in Germany.

"We contemplated bringing Alexander Hleb to Munich, but only if another player had chosen to leave us. That didn't happen, so the chapter marked Hleb is closed.

"I'm also assuming Mario Gomez won't become available. We do know he has a get-out clause in his contract which may allow us to sign him in the future."

Meanwhile, Bayern ace Franck Ribery is targeting a return to first-team action in time for the start of the UEFA Champions League group phase.

Ribery damaged ankle ligaments during France's defeat to Italy at Euro 2008 last month and is making steady progress in his rehabilitation.

He told the club's official website: "I am very pleased to be back in Munich again and I am hoping to be back in the team in September."