Man Utd and Chelsea face off for 60m star Ribery
MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are locked in a four-way battle with Europe’s biggest clubs to sign £60m-rated Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, the German club said yesterday.
United have bid for the France star as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo, while Bayern said they had also received a bid from Chelsea, who are looking to rebuild under new boss Carlo Ancelotti. But the Premier League pair face stiff competition for Ribery, 26, who looks set to leave despite his club’s denials, from big-spending Real and Champions League winners Barcelona.
“There are clubs that have come to us with offers. Chelsea’s bid has already been reported, and there is also Manchester United and Barcelona,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Real have asked in person, through their president, Florentino Perez, whether we will talk to them about a deal. We have rejected that request, because we have no intention of selling Ribery.” Bayern’s determination to keep one of the most coveted players in the world is likely to be severely tested this summer and it is widely believed they will sell Ribery at the right price. The Bundesliga giants’ general manager Uli Hoeness last week admitted a “crazy” offer would tempt them to the negotiating table – and the clutch of clubs chasing him are well equipped to spend big.
United are set for an £80m windfall when Ronaldo completes his world record transfer to Real, and will be keen to ensure he is adequately replaced; the fleet-footed and tricky Ribery fits the bill.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to want one marquee signing and, according to some reports, have already held secret talks with Ribery about a move.
Even the Premier League pair’s financial muscle may be dwarfed by that of Real, however, who have earmarked a staggering £250m for summer buys. Barcelona, fresh from being crowned European champions, also have deep pockets.
Ribery, who has two years left on his contract, has said he would not favour a move to England because the weather is as bad as in Germany.