Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has
confirmed that Manchester United have joined Chelsea, Barcelona and
Real Madrid in the race for Franck Ribery.
The 26-year-old France star has been strongly linked with a move
away from Germany this summer and it is believed that Spain would
be his most likely destination should be leave.
However, although Bayern remain adamant that Ribery will stay,
Rummenigge has now revealed that both United and Chelsea have made
firm offers for the winger.
“We are completely relaxed and very proud that we have one of
the best three players in the world under contract and that he has
triggered such a huge demand in the transfer market,” he told
Bild.
“Real have asked in person, through their president, Florentino
Perez, and his adviser, Pedro Jimenez, whether we will talk to them
about a deal.
“We have rejected that request, because we have no intention of
selling Ribery.”
Asked if there was an offer from Madrid, he replied: “No, but
there are clubs that have come to us with offers.
“Chelsea’s bid has already
been reported, and there’s also Manchester United and
Barcelona.
“We are approaching it calmly, because we are the ones who have
the power to make the decision.”
He added: “I don’t want to talk about sums of money because it
is not in our interest.
“The amount is irrelevant.
“There is always going to be the perception that Bayern
Munich are trying to push the price up and that there is a
certain value at which we’ll have to accept, but I’ll say it again:
we want to keep Ribery.
“We must do everything to make sure he stays in Munich and I am
determined to do this.
"A player has to respect his contract, in this case until
2011.”
Rummenigge also said that he found the transfer fee for
Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Madrid to be ‘absurd’ and has backed
Uefa president Michel Platini’s plans to control spending within
the game.
“What we are experiencing now leaves me concerned for the
future,” he said.
Rummenigge also reiterated that the club is interested in
signing Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa.