Munich - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has called for a swift end to uncertainties surrounding the future of France midfielder Franck Ribery. Van Gaal told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper on Sunday that whether Ribery stayed at the Bundesliga club "depended on many factors."
However the Dutch coach admitted he wanted an end to the continuing speculation over a possible move.
"The transfer issue is not good for Franck, not good for Bayern Munich and also not good for me," he said.
"It has to be over soon. We have to solve the problem, but that is not so easy. There are many factors involved, not least money."
Van Gaal said he had spoken to Ribery about the matter, saying the player was in a difficult position because he was being influenced by people around him.
But the coach left a possible sale open, saying Bayern could yet buy another player.
"If we sell Ribery we will have enough money," he said.
Real Madrid are among clubs interested in signing Ribery, and the player was quoted on Thursday by French sports daily L'Equipe as saying he wanted to leave for the Spanish club.
Bayern have insisted that Ribery is not for sale as he has a contract until 2011.
On other player issues, van Gaal said he would be watching the two goalkeepers Joerg Butt and Michael Rensing over the next few weeks.
Rensing, who was seen as the natural successor to Oliver Kahn, lost his place to the veteran Butt towards the end of last season under Juergen Klinsmann, and has intimated he would leave rather than be second choice at the club.
"A good goalkeeper is very important but Joerg Butt and Michael Rensing are making a good impression," van Gaal said.
On defender Lucio, who has been upset by reports that Bayern were not planning with him, van Gaal said he liked to have a left-footed and a right-footed player for the two central defensive positions.
The Brazilian captain is one of four right-footed central defenders, along with Martin Demichelis, Daniel van Buyten and the Brazilian Breno competing for one position, he said.
