Kaiser tips Ribery for Real move

Franz Beckenbauer feels Franck Ribery will end up joining Real Madrid this summer.

Bayern have endured a hugely disappointing season domestically given their impeccable recent standards and currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, some nine points behind leaders Schalke.

Coach Felix Magath paid the price with his job and Beckenbauer believes fresh blood is needed to revitalise the ailing team.

He went on to identify French international schemer Ribery as an ideal candidate, but feels the 23-year-old is destined to become David Beckham's replacement at Real.

"It is obvious we need fresh blood at Bayern, above all as several players will leave at the end of the season," Beckenbauer told France Football. "We should hire players that would allow us to reach a new step.

"For example, Franck Ribery. I know our officials are attracted in him, but Bayern is not alone to follow him.

"I would find logical he would wear the Real Madrid shirt next season, as Beckham who plays in the same position, will leave.

"Otherwise, I don't know which top class players will be available this summer. We need reinforcement as attacking midfielder, a creator like Deco, Messi or Diego. We miss such a player, what we have in that position is not enough now."

Meanwhile, Ribery has been dealt a blow with the news that a foot injury sustained against Toulouse will sideline him for longer than initially thought.

It had been expected that he would need around three weeks to overcome the problem, but Marseille's medical staff now fear it will be six weeks before he is back in action.

Beckenbauer also went on to take a swipe at Beckham for his decision to join Los Angeles Galaxy, insisting the move was more about show business than football.

"The Beckham transfer has no link with football. That's Hollywood," he continued.

"So he goes there. There, he will be in his right place!"