Munich - Bayern Munich have given up their interest in Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and have effectively completed their transfer activities for the summer, general manager Uli Hoeness said. Hoeness told Monday's edition of the local tz daily that Munich will enter the new season with their French star Franck Ribery and likely with Loca Toni as well.
Munich were after Schalke 04 goalkeeper Neuer in recent weeks, but Schalke declared that he was not for sale. Hoeness closed the issue and said that Munich would rely on their men from the past season, veteran Hans-Joerg Butt and Michael Rensing.
"The issue Neuer is over. And there will be no other candidate," Hoeness said.
Munich have spent some 50 million euros on new players including Germany striker Mario Gomez and Ukraine midfielder Anatoly Tymoshchuk. Hoeness said they would only sign another player if they found a decent right back.
Looking at Ribery, Hoeness expressed his confidence that Munich has successfully staved off the interest from the likes Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
"Did you ever think we would bow? Did we ever show a weakness?" Hoeness asked. "Franck will be on our training ground on July 1."
Munich snubbed huge offers as they declared Ribery, who has a contract until 2011, not for sale.
Toni, meanwhile, reportedly pondered a return to his native Italy after the hiring of Gomez, but Hoeness said the striker will likely stay on for a third season.
"Who says that he really means this," said Hoeness. "We have never forced a player to leave. It would be nice if he stayed and fought for his place (on the team)."
