Van Gaal wants conclusion to Ribery speculation

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal is looking to end the speculation surrounding Franck Ribery as he believes “it is not good for the club”.

The Dutchman, who led AZ Alkmaar to the Eredivisie crown last season, is hopeful the France international will stay at the Allianz Arena but he is also aware the ongoing saga may be disrupting the rest of the squad.

He told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper: “The rumours are not good for Franck, not good for Bayern Munich and not good for me.

“It must be resolved quickly. We must solve the problem but it is not that simple.

“There are many factors involved, not least the money.”

Ribery is being chased by big-spending Real Madrid but Bayern have remained steadfast in their refusal to sell.

However, with the talented playmaker admitting last week he would jump at the chance of moving to the Bernabeu, Bayern’s hand may be forced.

“He wants to go, if the reports are correct,” added Van Gaal.

“I need to speak to him about it.”

Van Gaal acknowledged that if Bayern do sell their prize asset, he will have plenty of financial clout in the transfer market, although he refused to admit a new goalkeeper was a priority.

“It could be that we could sign another player,” he said. “If we sell Ribery then we will have enough money.

“A good goalkeeper is very important but Jorg Butt and Michael Rensing have made a good impression.

“A new goalkeeper is not necessarily a priority. It is something I will have to look at in the first two weeks (of pre-season).”