Bierhoff considers future

Germany's Oliver Bierhoff is hoping an offer from Britain will persuade him to ditch his plans of retirement following Sunday's World Cup final.

Bierhoff will win his 70th cap if he plays against Brazil as he has already made it clear he is to hang up his international boots after the match.

But the 34-year-old says he is now considering quitting club football after a prolific career.

Bierhoff has been offered a deal for next season by Hamburg, while at least two Italian clubs are also interested in the striker.

But Bierhoff is apparently eager to prove himself in the British game, although no offers have come in for the forward who has scored 37 international goals.

"I don't know what I'm going to do next season. I've not decided whether I will play again or whether I will quit.

"I have plans which are still close to football, working as a consultant for my sponsor Nike in sponsorship, marketing and advertising.

"There is another big company I can also sign a contract with, so in the next four years up to the 2006 World Cup I will be involved in football, but not as a coach or a manager."

Team-mate Marco Bode is also considering the prospect of dual retirement as he too is to quit the international scene, while a firm decision at club level has yet to be made.

The Werder Bremen star is said to be disenchanted with the sport.

The 33-year-old said: "I've not decided what my future will be, but it's possible I will finish my career as a professional player after this tournament.

"I will take some time to make up my mind and make a decision and get some distance between myself and the whole business."