DEFIANT BAYERN CLING ONTO OWEN
Bayern Munich are continuing to play hardball over Owen Hargreaves, with general manager Uli Hoeness reiterating they have no desire to sell the midfielder to Manchester United.
The England international is keen to join The Red Devils ahead of the new Premiership season, and United have dispatched chief executive David Gill in order to hammer out a deal that could reportedly be worth up to £17 million.
The arrival of Hargreaves at Old Trafford would further strengthen Sir Alex Ferguson's midfield after his capture of fellow Three Lions World Cup midfielder Michael Carrick, but Bayern will not let the Canada-born star leave without a fight.
Although Hargreaves only won the affection of the English public after an impressive campaign in Germany, he has been a key player for the Bundesliga giants over a number of seasons.
After seeing Michael Ballack and Ze Roberto leave this summer Bayern general manager Hoeness clearly has no intention of letting Hargreaves join the Allianz Arena exodus.
"You can offer me €50 million for Owen Hargreaves but we will not let him go," said a defiant Hoeness to SID as he described what he told Gill.
Bayern coach Felix Magath is also determined to retain Hargreaves' services as the club look to claim another Bundesliga title this season, stating the midfielder is committed to the side until the end of his contract in 2010
"He can climb to the top of Mount Everest and say whatever he wants but a contract with Bayern Munich is a contract," said Magath.
Despite Bayern's public show of defiance, Ferguson stated on Friday that he is "hopeful" of bringing man-of-the-moment Hargreaves to Old Trafford.
In response to Ferguson unveiling his determination to sign the player, the German side have also released a statement to clarify they have no intention of letting Hargreaves leave before his contract expires.
"FC Bayern has informed the player and his agent in no uncertain terms that the contract with the club until June 30, 2010 is to be honoured," read the statement.
"To this day, we have not discussed a transfer with Manchester United or any other club and there will be no future talks over a transfer of Hargreaves.
"FC Bayern Munich have informed Manchester United on this day, Friday August 18 2006, that they must end their advances for Owen Hargreaves."