Bayern to listen to offers for Ribery

BAYERN MUNICH will listen to offers for Chelsea-target Franck Ribery after it emerged that the French star has ruled out signing a contract extension with the German giants.

The 26-year-old’s agent Alain Migliaccio yesterday said that Ribery will either leave in the summer or let his current deal run down and leave for nothing in 18 months.

Migliaccio’s remarks mean Bayern Munich will have to cash in on their biggest asset given president Uli Hoeness has said it would be “fiscally irresponsible’’ to hold on to the £45 million (€50m) rated star beyond the summer unless a contract extension is agreed.

Hoeness has been determined to tie his star player to the club, but Migliaccio claims Ribery has no intention of signing a contract extension with the German giants.

Migliaccio said: “Ribery will not renew with Bayern. Either he will complete his contract or he will go somewhere else at the end of the season.’’

Meanwhile Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has described Petr Cech as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and expects him to bounce back from his recent jitters.

Ancelotti’s men have looked vulnerable from set-pieces and Cech’s communication with his defenders has been highlighted after the Barclays Premier League leaders took just nine points from 18 in December.

However, Ancelotti believes errors come from his goalkeeper wanting to take responsibility for his penalty area, which the Italian views as a positive attribute.

“I said Petr Cech is one of the most important players for this team, one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Ancelotti said. “I like him because he takes on responsibility in the box, he likes to come out to catch the ball. Above all, that’s important in England, to have this kind of goalkeeper.

“A goalkeeper that takes responsibility can make the odd mistake. I prefer to have a goalkeeper who takes responsibility than one who just stays on his goal-line and doesn’t take responsibility.”

Cech is likely to be in goal against Watford in the FA Cup today as Ancelotti is set to pick a strong side, having been told about the importance of the competition on his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

“I want to put out my best team,” he said. “It’s a very important competition in England. In Italy, the Italian Cup is not so important.

“We want to do our best. It is one of our objectives, our aim, to win it. We want to do the best again this year. Watford are a good team. I don’t know them very well, but I have an opportunity to watch a DVD. Every team can give you problems. It is important to stay focused and concentrated.”

Picking a strong team also means Michael Ballack, who is thought to be close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the club, could also start.

“He has a great personality and I’m happy he will stay here for the next (few) years,” Ancelotti said.