Bayern close on Ismael

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have signed Valerien Ismael.

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have successfully tied up the signing of Werder Bremen defender Valerien Ismael, but the champions are confident of securing his signature.

The French ace is Bayern's main summer transfer target, as they are keen to find a successor for departing Robert Kovac, and Sportbild claimed that the Frenchman had already passed a medical in Munich and would join the German double winners in an ‚é¼8 million transfer.

Ismael has already agreed personal terms with Bayern and managing director Uli Hoeness confirmed that he has made progress in the transfer talks with Bremen, but insisted that no agreement has been found yet.

"I believe we are on the right track, but the transfer of Ismael is by no means settled at the moment," stressed Hoeness, whose statements were mirrored by Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"With great surprise we read that the move was done, but it's a matter of fact that at the time being nothing is signed," insisted Allofs, who suggested that Bremen are reluctant to sell Ismael before being able to present a proper successor to the charismatic defender.

Allofs is keen on Sochaux's Sylvain Monsereau, but as the youngster is still mulling over Bremen's offer, Ismael's sale to Bayern remains on ice.