Hargreaves chase ended
26 Aug 2006 - 10:28:22
Bayern Munich claim that Manchester United have ended their bid to try and sign England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
The 25-year-old, who was one of England's few stars at the World Cup this summer, is under contract until 2010 at the Allianz Arena and Bayern are adamant that they don't want to sell.
Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Die Welt: "He is free to swap sides, but not before July 1, 2010.
"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.
"Manchester United have stopped their activities.
"I have been in touch with my colleague (United chief executive) David Gill and they stick to what we have agreed to. That is correct and serious."
Hargreaves had earlier told Bild: "I've given everything to Bayern Munich for the last nine years and I want to be treated with respect.
"I simply want it to be accepted that Manchester United would be a great step for me."
