City linked to Lucio

But Van Gaal insists Brazilian is not for sale

By Thomas Zocher   Last updated: 6th July 2009  

City linked to Lucio

Lucio: Brazil star

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Manchester City are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Lucio, according to reports in Germany.

The Brazil skipper is said to be unhappy at the Allianz Arena as he is not guaranteed a first-team place when competing with Martin Demichelis, Daniel van Buyten and Breno.

Money-rich City, who remain strongly linked with a massive offer for Chelsea and England captain John Terry after failing in a renewed bid for the centre-back, are therefore rumoured to be considering making enquiries.

But new Bayern boss Louis van Gaal insists that, while Lucio is not certain of a starting place, City would be wasting their time in making an approach.

He told Suddeutsche Zeitung: "Lucio is under contract just like Martin Demichelis, Daniel van Buyten and Breno.

"These four defenders all have a strong right foot and are competing with each other for one first-team spot.

"I am, however, just imagining that there will be one starting berth available to these four players."