Lucio admits Bayern desire

Brazilian defender Lucio has again fuelled speculation that he could leave Bayer Leverkusen over the summer in order to join one of Europe's biggest clubs by expressing his admiration for Bayern Munich.

The 2002 World Cup winner is almost certain to leave the BayArena for a new challenge and had been linked with Chelsea, Juventus and Real Madrid in the past, but his recent remarks suggest that he might stay in Die Bundesliga.

Lucio has revealed the desire of UEFA Champions League football is a massive incentive and that Bayern would fit the bill in terms of ambition.

"Bayern are a great club, they play in the Champions League every year. They would be a good club for me," said the tall defender.

Leverkusen general manager Reiner Calmund confirmed that several clubs have made their interest known: "There's definitely interest in him, but no concrete negotiations have taken place yet."

Lucio would be only the latest number of a growing list of players who left Leverkusen for Bayern Munich after the Bundesliga giants have already lured Croatian defender Robert Kovac, Brazilian winger Ze Roberto and German midfield icon Michael Ballack to the Olympiastadion in recent seasons.