Bayern Munich Lead Ruud Race

Going to Germany?
By Chris O'Brien
July 26 2006

Bayern Munich are favourites to sign Ruud Van Nistelrooy after Sir Alex Ferguson rejected a reported £9million bid from Real Madrid for the Dutch star. The Red Devils are holding firm on their £15million valuation of the want-away 30-year-old.

Bayern Munich are now said to be leading the race for want-away Manchester United forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy, with Real Madrid considering ending their interest in the Dutch international.

Madrid saw a bid, said to be in the region of £9million, knocked back and the Spanish giants are believed to be unwilling to increase their offer for a player who is aged 30 and is unhappy with his current employers.

This would seem to hand Bayern Munich the advantage in signing the prolific striker. Honorary President Franz Beckenbauer has told the media that the Bundesliga champions have fallen short in a £11.6million bid, but seems optimistic a deal could go ahead.

"We are five million euros (£3.4million) away from Manchester United's valuation but the chances are still high." said Beckenbauer.

The former PSV Eindhoven star is said to be growing increasingly frustrated at United's stubbornness over a transfer fee. The player is anxious to move on long before a new domestic season begins, but Sir Alex Ferguson has said he would have "no problem" with Ruud still being at Old Trafford when the club kick-off their Premiership campaign against Fulham on August 20th.