Bayern give up on Ballack

Bayern Munich have given up hope of retaining the services of Chelsea target Michael Ballack, according to the club’s general manager Uli Hoeness.

The Germany captain is out of contract this summer, with his advisors having claimed they are deep in negotiations with the Premiership champions.

And Hoeness has confirmed Bayern will not be making an 11th-hour bid to keep the the 29-year-old midfielder.

“From our point of view, it is clear he will leave the club so there are no more efforts to keep him,” he told PA Sport.

“It is a professional situation. His contract is finished so it is up to him to decide.”

Hoeness has come under fire from Ballack’s agent Michael Becker for claiming the midfielder is only leaving Bayern for financial reasons.

Becker claims Ballack is making a “sports-related decision” but Hoeness has maintained his stance today.

“I have not criticised Michael Ballack but only made an observation,” he added. “I am not at all disappointed in him or his behaviour. That is totally normal.

“It is totally wrong to describe us as being angry or anything like that. It is totally the opposite.

“He did wonderfully here and now it is time to get a new club and maybe get more money.

“People who know me will understand that I don’t think it’s a problem what I said. You need to stay with the facts.”

Hoeness is in the dark as to when any possible switch to Chelsea – or another club – would be finalised.

“I am the wrong person to ask that question,” he said.

“That is not a decision made by us. That is a decision between the player and maybe his new club.

“Therefore you have to ask (Chelsea chief executive) Peter Kenyon, my colleague and friend, and the manager of Michael.”

Asked whether Ballack would fit into a Chelsea team already filled with world-class midfielders, Hoeness added: “I am not so informed about Chelsea’s system right now but if the people of Chelsea decide to take him, they have done their homework and will be totally happy with it.”

Meanwhile Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger insists he has not been approached by Rangers regarding a potential transfer.

Incoming Rangers manager Paul Le Guen is known to be a fan of the 21-year-old, one of Germany’s bright young talents.

But Schweinsteiger told PA Sport: “No-one (from Rangers) has spoken to me.

“I like the atmosphere over there but I also love Bayern and have to say that I have a very long deal with them.”

Schweinsteiger, who should be part of Germany’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, admitted he could be tempted by a move to England – but only in the distant future.

“Yes, but I am only 21 and want to do well with Bayern,” he added. “As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”

Hoeness has insisted the midfielder is not for sale.

“If somebody came to us, I would say ‘Let’s have a nice dinner’ but I would tell them there is no chance,” said Hoeness, who is unaware of any interest from Rangers.