UNITED END HARGREAVES CHASE
By Johannes Berendt, PA Sport
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims Manchester United have ended their interest in Owen Hargreaves.
And Rummenigge insists the England international will only be allowed a move to Old Trafford when his contract expires in four years´ time.
The midfielder has reiterated his desire to join United before the transfer window closes, only for Rummenigge to snub his request once more.
"He is free to swap sides - but not before July 1, 2010," Rummenigge told www.welt.de.
"This is the last word. If I say this, then that is what it is going to be. He can swap sides on July 1, 2010 - no sooner."
Even though United have reportedly offered up to 25million euros (£16.9million) for the 25-year-old, Bayern continue to insist they will not let him go.
Rummenigge has now declared the case closed after speaking to United chief executive David Gill.
"Manchester United have stopped their activities," he added. "I have been in touch with my colleague David Gill and they stick to what we have agreed to. That is correct and serious."
Sir Alex Ferguson had denied making an illegal approach for Hargreaves after Rummenigge threatened to report the Red Devils to UEFA for making contact with him over a potential £17million move.
Yet Ferguson rejects the accusation he has held talks with the 25-year-old.
"I have not spoken to the boy," said the United manager.
"I have not read the comments and I know nothing about it but that is not right (that United made an illegal approach)."
Earlier, asked whether he will be sold before the August 31 transfer deadline, Hargreaves said in an interview with Bild newspaper: "That´s not up to me any more.
"The general manager [Uli Hoeness] does not want to let me go. That is his right. But he certainly knows what I want."
The Canadian-born midfielder left no doubt that a move to Old Trafford would be a dream come true.
"That would be a great challenge," he added. "I am an England international, a part of my family lives near Manchester. A lot of things come together.
"No other football player on this planet is in a similar situation."
He also defended his decision to sign a contract extension in October 2005.
"At that time, it was a big honour for me. But things have taken a different course," said Hargreaves, who was one of England´s few star players in an otherwise disappointing World Cup.
"I have a huge chance to establish myself in the national team."
He also admitted he was annoyed at being reprimanded by Hoeness in front of his team-mates.
"I was not pleased but I´m not sensitive. I told him what I thought of it afterwards," he said.
"I have given everything for Bayern Munich in the last nine years and I want to be treated with respect. I just want them to accept that Manchester would be a big step for me.
"It is not about money. The huge transfer fee Manchester are willing to pay honours me, but it´s not my fault. And I have a good contract with Bayern."
Hargreaves said he would "keep giving everything" for Bayern should a move fail to materialise.
"I would have to accept that," he admitted. "But the whole soap opera has to come to an end.
"I never wanted it to escalate. It would be best if we could all find a solution now."
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deja pari perdu.
