Bayern dismiss Blues' Lahm bid
Bayern dismiss Blues' Lahm bid
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Thursday, 15, Jun 2006 12:35
Bayern Munich have rejected an approach from Chelsea for their right-footed left-back Philipp Lahm, reports in Germany claim.
The Premiership champions are in the market for a left-sided full-back and Lahm's impressive start to proceedings in the World Cup appear to have made him a prime target.
He scored the scorching first goal of the tournament against Costa Rica in Munich last Friday and was in decent form against Poland in Dortmund last night.
Germany's Bild newspaper claims Bayern have rejected a £10 million bid for the player from Chelsea and quote Bayern director Karl Hopfner as issuing a stern hands-off warning.
"We will not sell Lahm," he told the paper. "Even with the offer on the table, we will not budge. We need Lahm in the position of left defender and there is no way round it."
Lahm, 22, has admitted he is not thinking about his club football at this time and is instead focusing purely on helping Germany lift the World Cup.
"Now is the World Cup – nothing else is of interest to me at the moment," he said. "I am not wondering about what comes afterwards."
Chelsea have already signed German skipper Michael Ballack and Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko for next season but boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his defensive options, particularly at left-back.
Arsenal's Ashley Cole and Real Madrid's Robert Carlos have both been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge amid constant speculation that Asier Del Horno, Wayne Bridge and William Gallas could all leave this summer.