Bayern - United in for Ribery

But Rummenigge remains determined to keep French star

By James Dall   Last updated: 16th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bayern - United in for Ribery

Ribery: Hot property

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Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has claimed Manchester United have joined the race to sign Franck Ribery.

Ribery has been strongly linked with a summer move away from the Bundesliga following an impressive season at Bayern.

Real Madrid have made no secret of their interest in the France international while Chelsea and Barcelona are both believed to be keen.

Ribery is also said to be a target of United, who are poised to seek a replacement for seemingly Real-bound Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rummenigge claimed interest in Ribery is mounting but maintained that Bayern are determined to keep the playmaker.

Demand

"We are completely relaxed and very proud that we have one of the best three players in the world under contract and that he has triggered such a huge demand in the transfer market," he told Bild.

"Real have asked in person, through their president, Florentino Perez, and his adviser, Pedro Jimenez, whether we will talk to them about a deal.

"We have rejected that request, because we have no intention of selling Ribery."

Asked if there was an offer from Real, he replied: "No, but there are clubs that have come to us with offers.

"Chelsea's bid has already been reported, and there's also Manchester United and Barcelona.

"We are approaching it calmly, because we are the ones who have the power to make the decision."

Irrelevant

He added: "I don't want to talk about sums of money because it is not in our interest.

"The amount is irrelevant.

"There is always going to be the perception that Bayern Munich are trying to push the price up and that there is a certain value at which we'll have to accept, but I'll say it again: we want to keep Ribery.

"We must do everything to make sure he stays in Munich and I am determined to do this.

"A player has to respect his contract, in this case until 2011."