Bayern confirm interest in Balde

BAYERN MUNICH are still tracking Celtic defender Bobo Balde after running the rule over him at the recent Old Firm clash.

The 29-year-old has been targeted as a replacement for Robert Kovac.

Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s general manager, and coach Felix Magath were impressed with the powerful defender at Ibrox. Even though Balde recently signed a contract extension until 2008, the German’s could make Celtic an offer they cannot refuse.

Hoeness said: “Balde hasn’t dropped out of our reckoning, in fact anything but. We have good memories of him. He is very strong in the air, and both Felix Magath and I were impressed with him. We plan to watch him again.”