Hargreaves mulls over Old Trafford move

Bayern Munich has reaffirmed its intention to keep Owen Hargreaves at the club despite the fact that the player has admitted he is considering an offer to join Manchester United.

The England star — who is due to feature in central midfield in tonight's friendly with Greece at Old Trafford — claimed earlier this week he was as close to completing a move to the Premiership than he had ever been.

Canadian-born Hargreaves only recently signed a lucrative contract extension with Bayern Munich but has never made any secret of the fact he would like join an English club at some stage in his career.

Although he spoke in general terms on Monday about that desire, without revealing which, if any, clubs had expressed a firm interest.

However, it now transpires Alex Ferguson has made a move for the Canadian-born midfielder, who has spent all his professional career with Bayern.

And, with just a fortnight to go before the transfer window closes, Hargreaves admits he is sorely tempted by the prospect of joining the Red Devils.

"The offer from Manchester United is fantastic," Hargreaves told Sport Bild magazine.

"Particularly as an England international, it is of interest and you never know if such an opportunity will arise again.

"Now is the time to take the next step to develop even further."

Sport Bild said without naming the source that Manchester United would offer as much as €25 million  for Hargreaves and that other Premiership clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham were also interested.

Nonetheless, despite the fact that Hargreaves has long hankered after a move to England, Bayern Munich reiterated on Wednesday that they would not sell the player who is tied to the club for another four years.

"Hargreaves is not a subject of discussion," said Bayern manager Uli Hoeness. "Owen has a contract until 2010 and he will complete it. That means the issue is closed."

Ferguson has already brought one new midfielder to Old Trafford this summer in £18.6million sterling man Michael Carrick, who is currently injured.

But the Red Devils boss has stated on more than one occasion he is on the hunt for more reinforcements.

Villarreal's Marcos Senna has been heavily tipped to join United but, having insisted at the weekend his club would no longer be taken for mugs in the transfer market, Ferguson appears unwilling to meet the £8million asking price.