Dortmund fume over Bayern interference

Borussia Dortmund’s general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke has criticised Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for repeatedly interfering with his own club’s affairs.

On Wednesday Rummenigge claimed Marco Reus is a “very good player” who “everybody knows will be available for €25 million” next summer.

Although Rummenigge also said he did not want to “strain” his club’s relationship with Dortmund, Watzke has taken a dim view of his comments.

“Borussia Dortmund are rather annoyed that Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is currently saying something about Dortmund issues at a rate of every three days,” Watzke said.

“We are sure that it is quite clear to anybody interested in football what his intentions are with such remarks.

“Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows full well that his behaviour is only going to further damage the already tense relationship between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have announced that striker Karim Benzema has signed a new five-year deal with the club. The France striker will now stay in the Spanish capital until the summer of 2019 at least.

The 26-year-old joined Madrid in 2009 for £30m (€37.7m) from Lyon and has scored 111 goals in 235 appearances since then.

His initial form at the club caused some to suggest he may not have been worth the outlay he scored just nine goals in his first season — but the faith shown in him has been rewarded.

Since then he has returned tallies of 26, 32, 20 and 24, with his goals proving increasingly vital at home and in Europe.

A brief statement from Madrid read: “Real Madrid announce the extension of the contract between the player Karim Benzema and the club until June 30, 2019, the next five seasons.”

Elsewhere, Frank Lampard has expressed his delight at having the opportunity to continue operating at the top level following his move to Manchester City on loan until January.

The 36-year-old England midfielder is spending time with City as he prepares for life with the club’s sister American outfit New York City FC, who do not begin their new Major League Soccer season until the spring.

Lampard said: “Joining up with Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue to train and play at the top level and make sure I am in top condition for New York City.

“It has been an amazing few days for me since the unveiling in Brooklyn and everyone connected with both clubs has been fantastic to me. This is a new chapter of my career and I’m really excited about the experience.”