Bayern chief in Bender chase

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has re-opened Bayern Munich's war of words with Bayer Leverkusen over their highly-rated midfielder Lars Bender.

Midfielder caught the eye playing for Germany during Euro 2012

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has re-opened Bayern Munich's war of words with Bayer Leverkusen over their highly-rated midfielder Lars Bender. The Bayern chief executive insists the German international is interested in a move away from the BayArena despite his protests. The 23-year-old recently signed a new deal to keep him at Leverkusen for another five years and released a statement in an effort to end speculation over his future. But Rummenigge has added fuel to the argument between the clubs that has been dragging on for weeks by claiming the midfielder would be happy to switch clubs. "We are aware that the player has a keen interest in joining Munich," he said. "If there is a transfer at the end of the road, well, it is something I am not able to predict. "There is still the question if there is any transfer fee that would see both clubs agree on. Anyway, in football these days you also need a bit of patience."