Frings confirms Dortmund intentions

The 27-year-old has played a major part in Bremen's Bundesliga resurgence towards the end of 2001 and is known to have been the target of many top clubs.

Bayer Leverkusen, Hertha Berlin and Arsenal had all been reported to be chasing the German international, but Frings has told the magazine SportBild that he has chosen to continue his career at the Westfalen Stadion next season.

Frings, who is contracted at Bremen until June 2003, will receive over 2.5 million euros a year at Dortmund and will cost the 1997 European champions around 7.5 million euros.

Werder Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs has, however, responded to the reports by re-emphasizing that the club were not willing to let Frings go without a fight.

"Frings is not up for sale," he said. "He has a contract with us until 2003 and so is not on the market."