Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has issued a
hands-off warning to clubs looking to prise Franck Ribery away from
the Allianz Arena.
The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract,
but rumours have begun to surface linking him with a move away from
the German giants, with Manchester City reportedly interested.
Ribery’s agent has gone on record saying the player would be
interested in a move to Barcelona or Manchester United, but Hoeness
insists he is happy at the club.
"He is on a contract without any clauses for two more years and
he and his family are enjoying being at Munich,” Hoeness told
Bild.
"There is only the chance that a lack of trophies with regard to
European club competitions could significantly turn his thoughts to
a move."
Hoeness, however, admits the summer transfer merry-go-round
could lead to increased speculation about Ribery’s future.
"There will be some development in the next months,” he added.
“What is about to happen at Real (Madrid)? What happens at other
clubs? If there is a star-player bought by a club somewhere, the
other club will look at targets with that money and probably one
target might be Ribery then.
"There will be enquiries and therefore it will be most important
we do not begin to totter and stay firm to our statements to keep
him here.
"Otherwise there will be unrest and his agents could get the
feeling they could succeed.
"If we stay firm to our statements until 31st August 2009, when
the window is closing, we could even try to sign him on for longer
than the end of his current deal."