Bundes Liga News and Update

Lukas Podolski hint at Bayern Munich exit

2008-06-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has again hinted he could be on the path of Bayern Munich.

Podolski will consider its future in German champion, if not a new coach Jürgen Klinsmann first-team plans.

According to information received in Germany, Premier League sides Tottenham and Manchester City, former club Cologne and Italian giants Juventus are interested in signing 23 years.

Podolski, who is currently with Germany team at Euro 2008, told the newspaper Bild: "For me what matters for now is the euro. And then I'll think about everything else.

"But if I can not see the opportunity to play under Jürgen Klinsmann, you should think about (the future). I am not a footballer to sit on the bench."

Podolski is under contract at the Allianz Arena until 2010, but had difficulty finding his feet at Bayern since his big-money move from Cologne in 2006.

He had to be content with a place on the bench for much of last season after falling behind international team-mate Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has branded football 'sick'

2008-06-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has mark football illness "and claims many clubs are at the head of ruin if nothing is done to prevent the spiral of wages.

Despite paying the highest wages in Germany, Bayern have no such financial concerns, but Rummenigge is deteriorating situation elsewhere.

'Football is sick, "he told Kicker magazine.

"I read a statistic that said 85% of all professional football clubs are running at a loss."

Rummenigge believes that UEFA should impose a ceiling on the amount of clubs to spend May salaries, saying "50 to 55% of turnover" should be the upper limit.

"This would make more healthy football," he said.

Bayern Munich moved closer to signing Mario Gomez

2008-06-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Bayern Munich have one more step towards the signing of Mario Gomez Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart inviting those responsible for the Swabians club to a meeting on Friday.

Bayern have already agreed with Germany international, who is at the Euro 2008, and are now open negotiations with his club.

"Bayern have invited us and we accepted," said Stuttgart president, Dieter Hundt on ARD television.

"(Director of Sport) Horst Heldt will travel to Munich."

Stuttgart striker value to 25 million euros but Bayern are believed to be considering using his Germany team-mate Lukas Podolski as a makeweight for the operation.

Podolski, who has shone with three goals in Euro 2008 so far, made just eight starts for Bayern last season and has already admitted he would consider a transfer.

Gomez was the Bundesliga's top goalscorer in the 2006/07 season as Stuttgart won the title, but a succession of injuries limited to 25 appearances last term.

He still scored 19 goals, however, demonstrate a capacity goalscoring which has so far been lacking championship in Europe.

He missed a sitter against Austria and the uncertainty surrounding its future is said to have an impact on its performance.

Franck Ribery miss the start of the Bundesliga season

2008-06-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribéry is set to miss the start of the Bundesliga season after undergoing surgery on torn ligaments above his ankle.

The France International suffered the injury early in his nation 2-0 defeat to Italy on Tuesday - a result which eliminated Les Bleus at Euro 2008.

It was initially feared that Ribery has broken leg, but scans revealed ligament damage and he now faces a maximum of two months on the margin which all but rules him on the start of the Bundesliga season, which begins on August 15.

"It is very regrettable that Franck himself wounded in the championship of Europe," said Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on the site of the club.

"However, we are pleased that the severe initial diagnosis was not confirmed."

The 25 years will undergo surgery in Munich on Thursday morning and the rehabilitation period means he will miss the entire pre-season and the first round of the DFB-Pokal.

Jermaine Jones 'proud' of interest from Manchester United

2008-06-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones has revealed he is "proud" of alleged interest from Manchester United.

The holding player, who missed narrowly on a place in Germany the team for the Euro 2008, has been linked in the German press with a move to the Premier League champions.

He told German newspaper Bild: "Man United are a team. The interest makes me proud. But I still have a valid contract with Schalke."

Jones, 26, was a leading member of Schalke side that reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season.

It was recorded in Germany coach Joachim Low preliminary team for the Championship of Europe, but was one of three players culled.

His agent Roger Wittmann confirmed that Jones talk to speculation linking him with Old Trafford.

Wittmann said: "I will meet with Jermaine and we talk about everything - last season, the national team and also on speculation.

"If it arises in the conversation that England is a matter of Jermaine, we talk very openly about this with Schalke."

Schalke general manager Andreas Muller claimed, but the club has not been affected by rumours.

He said: "I do not think about this if I receive a written offer to him on the table. Everything else is blah-blah. "

Jurgen Klinsmann already laid out many of his plans

2008-06-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

MUNICH, June 14 (Bundesliga) - New Bayern Munich coach Jürgen Klinsmann admits he has already thrown many of his plans for the new season, two months before it is underway.

In just over a fortnight, Klinsmann will officially start working in the hot seat Bayern have taken the reins of Ottmar Hitzfeld.

However, the former Germany international is already working hard behind the scenes and preparations are at an advanced stage.

"We have worked intensively since January and I am really looking forward to this task," he said Bayern site.

"We do not want to leave anything to chance, but work very hard and with great concentration."

Klinsmann has been confirmed as Bayern coach nearly six months when it was agreed that Hitzfeld would not extend his contract this summer.

Bundesliga champions Bayern are his first appointment at the club after leading the German national side for two years, culminating in a third placed finish at the 2006 World Cup.

What he has learned to head the national team May gave him some ideas to take with him for Bayern, but he admits that he will perhaps make a fresh start.

"The work of a national team coach can not be carried forward to working in a club," said Klinsmann.

"FC Bayern is the absolute elite club in the German football and is a great challenge, but at the same time a huge attraction."

Klinsmann, who represented Bayern, Internazionale, Sampdoria, Monaco and Tottenham as a player, has already built his team slide while changes at the club's training ground suggest he means business.

Team manager Christian Nerlinger, assistant Martin Vasquez and Nick Theslof scouts were all appointed by Klinsmann, while sports psychologist Philipp Laux and statistical analyst Michael Henke has joined the staff last week.

Bayern spent more than 75 million euros on new players 12 months ago, and he helped win the triple inside Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal Cup and League.

Although less money was spent on players this summer - Tim Borowski and Hans-Jörg Butt joined on free transfers - funds have been invested in improving the environment of the Sabener Strasse.

"I am convinced that the fans have a great season to look forward," said Klinsmann.

Barzagli and Zaccardo to VfL Wolfsburg

2008-06-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

ROME, June 12 - Palermo, Italy sold at centre back Andrea Barzagli and former Azzurri full-back Cristian Zaccardo to German side VfL Wolfsburg, the Serie A club said on Thursday.

A statement on the website of Palermo said the two clubs will play a friendly in Wolfsburg on August 12 in connection with the operation, but gave no financial details.

Barzagli, who joined the Sicilian club in 2004, has 23 caps and is a member of Italy for the Euro 2008 squad. The 27 years have been shot in the Italian media for his performance on Monday, 3-0 defeat of the Netherlands.

As Barzagli, Zaccardo was a member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, but he disappeared from the national team in contention Roberto Donadoni.

Munich and Borussia plans to revive the German Supercup

2008-06-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's plans to revive the German Supercup have been given the cold shoulder by the German Football League.

The Supercup, played between the champions Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal winners of the preceding season, was the official curtain-raiser to the new season until it was shelved in 1996.

Since then, the League Cup had taken place in the close season, but that has been abandoned and will not take place this summer.

Bayern and Dortmund, last season's Bundesliga champions and DFB-Pokal finalists, are keen on staging a fixture on July 23 under the banner of the Supercup, although the German Football League (DFL) have voted unanimously against it.

Nevertheless, the two clubs are set to go ahead with the plans.

'We presented the idea to the DFL, but unfortunately they are not interested,' said Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke to the Bild newspaper.

'Now we are discussing the idea with Bayern to go it alone - we have enough sponsors.

'The name Supercup is not officially a protected brand, so we can still use the name for this game. "

If the two clubs do go ahead regardless, the DFL will not recognise the winners in their history books.

'We have informed the clubs that we will not recognise the Supercup as an official competition,' said vice-president Peter Peters.

Horst Heldt will make provisions for Jens Lehmann

2008-06-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Stuttgart director of sport Horst Heldt has revealed the club arrange for Jens Lehmann age following his free transfer move to the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

The 38-year-old goalkeeper for Arsenal, which is currently with Germany team at Euro 2008, signed a 12-month contract with the club Swabian in which he is guaranteed certain privileges.

"Jens, being a former player, certainly get a strange day off in agreement with the coach," said Heldt.

"It was the same scenario with Zvonimir Soldo and me under Felix Magath. For example, we oldies have not had to play in the pre-season friendly and we did not get days off occasionally. "

Lehmann will take over as first choice goalkeeper Raphael Schafer, who did not impress following his removal from Nuremberg.

"We said Raphael in clear terms that he can find a new club," said Heldt the newspaper Bild.

The only problem hampering the transfer is Schafer's salary. His former club would be interested in signing new, but with a salary of nearly two million, 29 years would have to take a huge drop in wages to leave.

However, Stuttgart May consider helping to erase one of the greatest return on their payroll.

"We are eager to reach a mutual decision," admitted Heldt.

Hansa Rostock signed Kevin Schindler

2008-06-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hansa Rostock Germany have signed Under-21 striker Kevin Schindler on a year loan from Werder Bremen.

The 20 years will be to return fire Rostock in the Bundesliga at the first attempt following their relegation from the top flight.

Schindler broke into the first team to Bremen last season, but struggling to win a starting berth, and joined Rostock in search of regular football.

"The important thing for me and further my career that I can play at a high level next season," forward, who scored seven times in 25 games for the reserve side last term Bremen, told the Rostock Official site.

"This match practice (for reservations) was good for me and most often I played the full 90 minutes.

"In addition, we achieved our goal of promotion to the third division with two matches to play.

"I would have liked a little more first team action at Werder but the competition is very strong."

Schindler is under contract at Bremen until 2011 and is expected to return to the Weserstadion at the end of next season.

Wolfsburg confirming three new signings

2008-06-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

Wolfsburg's preparations for life in the UEFA Cup next season by confirming three new signatures Wednesday.

Zvjezdan Misimovic, Daniel Adlung and Rodrigo Alvim join Cristian Zaccardo and Alexander Esswein that five new recruits this summer.

Misimovic joint Nuremberg, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last season, and once again establish ties with coach Felix Magath, the man who sold him to Bochum Bayern Munich four years ago.

He signed a four-year contract, while Brazilian defender Alvim Belenenses and midfielder Daniel Adlung, formerly of Greuther Furth, have both put pen to paper over three years door.

The club did not reveal any financial details for trafficking.

Alexander Hleb angered by reports moving to Bayern Munich

2008-06-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has revealed he is "irritated" by reports linking him with a move to Bayern Munich.

From Munich Tz newspaper on Monday claimed Hleb was in talks with Bayern on a return of the Bundesliga, where he has already played in Stuttgart.

Hleb has denied the report, and requested the media to cool their interest in its future, with speculation still a bond of 27 years with a move to Barcelona this summer.

"These reports anger me," he told kicker magazine. "I have not signed for Bayern, Barcelona or any other club by the way.

"So much is said and speculation, but I just want to have some peace and sit down with my closest friend and [representative] Niki Spilevski to consider my future."

Energie Cottbus snapping up forward Danny Galm

2008-06-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Energie Cottbus continued their summer spending spree on Tuesday after snapping up forward Danny Galm from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 22-year-old, who has joined for an undisclosed fee, becomes Cottbus' sixth close-season signing after inking a two-year contract.

Galm, who began his career at Stuttgart, scored 17 goals for Eintracht's reserve side last season and Cottbus believe the player is ready to perform at first-team level.

'Danny Galm has continued to improve at both Stuttgart and Frankfurt in recent years and we believe he is ready to take the next step as a professional with Cottbus,' Cottbus general manager Steffen Heidrich said.

Galm added: 'My aim is to be a professional in the Bundesliga and I think I have good chances of doing that with Cottbus.

'I am looking forward to this challenge.'

Galm joins fellow new arrivals Savo Pavicevic, Cagdas Atan, Emil Jula, Marco Kurth and Philipp Pentke at the east German club.

Jefferson Farfan accepted an offer to join Schalke

2008-06-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

PSV Eindhoven striker Jefferson Farfan has revealed he has accepted an offer to join Schalke.

The 23 years is poised to become new coach of Schalke Fred Rutten the first major title since the departure of signing Dutch side FC Twente to take charge of the Veltins Arena.

Farfan www.peru.com said: "I accepted the offer (Schalke) because I wanted to play in a league more competitive.

"I had offers from other clubs. There was an offer from Tottenham in England, another of Fiorentina in Italy and one more Russian club. "

The Hitman Peru will have cost Schalke 10 million, making him the most expensive signing in the club's history.

He added: "What I decided, with PSV was seeking a competitive team and, of course, in a league which is a level above Dutch football, and for sporting reasons, we accepted the offers Schalke 04.

"I want to start a new chapter in my life. With PSV I won four championships, I was the club top-scorer, I always had the support of my teammates and fans.

"It went well for me in Holland and I think it was time to leave and seek new horizons."

Schalke have not yet been officially confirm the operation.

Alexander Frei claims Celtic interested in signing him

2008-06-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Switzerland captain Alexander Frei claims Celtic have raised their interest in signing.

The 28 years was excluded from Euro 2008 after suffering a knee injury during his side's opening defeat by the Czech Republic.

But Borussia Dortmund before adjustment will again in six weeks and he said Celtic manager Gordon Strachan to move so he is interested.

"Apparently Celtic were in my place in 2004 and 2006," said Frei. "Now they want me again in 2008.

"However, nobody has ever made an offer on the table. If they want me they can call me. Otherwise, I do not want to talk about it. "

Meanwhile, outside the favour Celtic defender Bobo Balde has been linked with a move to Birmingham.

Uli Hoeness insist the German champion not to spend big this summer

2008-06-09T10:54:00.001-07:00

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness insists the German champion will not spend big this summer.

The Bundesliga giants have already signed Germany midfielder Tim Borowski international on a free transfer from Werder Bremen, Hoeness and argued that the club could be the only significant acquisition.

A Bayern introduced the likes of Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose and Franck Ribéry to the Allianz Arena last summer as they sought to regain the Bundesliga title in Stuttgart.

They did just that - win the DFB Pokal as well - and Hoeness believes that the brigade does not need to be strengthened.

He told Bild newspaper: "We have already signed Tim Borowski, an international after all.

"I do not believe that we must buy players each year. We were very interested in AC Milan Gennaro Gattuso. Unfortunately, this has not extinguished.

But it makes no sense to say: "If we do not Gattuso then we buy someone so that we bought one person."

"Last year there was a real need to strengthen the team. This year, it is not the case. I can imagine us next season with our team. "

Tomas Ujfalusi urged his team mates not to over-play their opening Euro

2008-06-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

BASEL, June 8 - Czech Republic captain Tomas Ujfalusi urged his teammates on Sunday not to play their opening win Euro 2008 and remember how it all went wrong at the World Cup 2006 even after a good start.

A 1-0 victory over co-hosts Switzerland on Saturday put in a strong position before their remaining Group A matches against Portugal and Turkey.

Two years ago in Germany, the Czechs had a dream start with a 3-0 victory over the USA, but lost to Ghana and Italy without marking another purpose and no progress since the group stage after injuries to key players exhausted the team.

"Of course we know only too well that we should not rest on our laurels," Czech sport website www.sport.cz Ujfalusi quoted as telling journalists at the team's training base in Austria.

"We must use what we learned from the World Cup in Germany, so that we manage our next games better."

Next up for the Czechs are Portugal, which will aim to repeat their strong performance in attack on Saturday 2-0 victory over Turkey.

Czech Republic expects a better defence than in the future against Switzerland, which will be a key quality if they must contain group favourites Portugal on Wednesday.

Ujfalusi said goalkeeper Petr Cech has been a major asset in this defence.

"We are aware that behind us is one of the world's best goalkeepers. Whenever we defenders errors or go to sleep, it's always he who protects the team. Immediately in the first game he did twice, "he said.

Hans-Jorg Butt confident he will get games at Bayern Munic

2008-06-06T01:20:00.000-07:00

MUNICH, June 6 (Bundesliga) - New signing Hans-Jörg Butt is confident he will play for Bayern Munich next season despite being the rearguard Michael Rensing.

The former Bayer Leverkusen stopper completed a free transfer from Benfica earlier this week.

The 34 years is aware that he will act as understudy to Rensing, who was promoted to first choice following the departure of Oliver Kahn, but does not expect to spend the entire campaign on the bench.

"I took my own experience in the past that tells me when you want to succeed in the Champions League, you must have a great team balanced," he told Sport Bild magazine.

"There are so many games (some play) is quite natural. Everyone is games under their belt and I just want to help make this team and club success.

"I'll give him all my heart and it is important that I am not ready at any moment".

Butt has bought himself over the last year of his contract with Benfica for him to join the German champion.

It was his experience that drew Bayern - he played for Leverkusen in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in 2002 - and will be asked to continue the role of mentor Kahn made with 24 years Rensing, although his understudy .

Butt said: "Part of doing well is that the goalkeepers work well together. I want to do everything to make sure the team is successful.

"It is the best club in Germany and belongs among the best in Europe, so my decision to join was easy.

"I think it is possible that we can win the Champions League next season."

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Franck Ribery is going nowhere

2008-06-05T03:18:00.000-07:00

MUNICH, June 5 (Bundesliga) - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists winger Franck Ribéry nowhere despite reported interest of clubs in England and Spain.

The France international has shone during his first season with the Bundesliga champions and Rummenigge claims not to sell at any price.

"We could have sold twice Ribery at the moment," said the president magazine Sport Bild.

"We have had requests from the Premier League and Spain, but I prefer to sell our most precious to him silverware.

"We are not going to listen to any offer.

"I have a good relationship with most of my colleagues across Europe and if they come to me, the answer is" nothing ". There is no chance - and not for a fee. "

The 25 years, played a key role in Bayern clinching a league and cup double and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup last season.

Ribery has settled since his record to move 25 million euros in Marseilles, and Rummenigge believes it is equally important for Bayern as Kaka is the AC Milan and Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.

"They would not be sold at any price or because players like these make a difference," he added.

Jens Lehmann continue his career after Euro with Stuttgart

2008-06-03T05:16:00.000-07:00

Jens Lehmann will continue his career after Euro 2008 with Bundesliga side Stuttgart after signing a one-year contract with German champions 2007.

The 38-year completed before the passage of Germany's team jets in Switzerland this afternoon.

"Jens was our candidate from the outset to the position of goalkeeper," said Stuttgart coach Armin Veh on the site of the club.

"His skills are undeniable and the whole team will benefit from his experience."

Stuttgart have been notified of the availability of Lehmann when the former Arsenal stopper chose not to extend his contract with the Gunners and became a free agent this summer.

With Raphael Schafer not to give the defense enough security in his first season since he joined Nuremberg, Stuttgart began looking for a new number one in May.

Lehmann can now expect to play at least another season after spells in the Bundesliga with Schalke and Borussia Dortmund before moving to England five years ago.

Fred Rutten summer transfer budget may be reduced

2008-06-02T03:11:00.000-07:00

Schalke general manager Andreas Muller said the coach Fred Rutten been the transfer of its budget on May be reduced if the club can not offload players.

The Royal Blues had hoped to sell Danish strikers Peter Lovenkrands and Soren Larsen on the period of closure in order to increase revenue, but neither player is attracting great interest.

"Currently, there are only a few tentative enquiries by Peter Lovenkrands and Soren Larsen, it is looking possible that we will be able to buy two new players and not three," said Muller to the newspaper Bild.

"If we can not afford to buy a striker, then we will have to consider other methods and, although I am not a fan of it, we could perhaps loan to a player a top club European who has not enough play. "

Energie Cottbus now signed Turkey defender Cagdas Atan

2008-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Energie Cottbus have continued their preparations for the upcoming Bundesliga season by completing their second new signing in less than a week.

After obtaining the services of forward Emil Jula Romanian Otelul Galati on Friday, they signed defender Turkey Cagdas atan.

The 28-year-old signed a three-year contract after joining for an undisclosed fee Trabzonspor.

"We have recently taken another look at Cagdas ATAN and he thoroughly convinced us," said Director General of Cottbus Steffen Heidrich on the site of the club.

"We are delighted to have added such a struggle against the strong, experienced player."

Atan has represented his country four times, but is not part of their team for Euro 2008.

Mikael Forssell from Birmingham - A Free Transfer for Hannover

2008-05-30T01:03:00.000-07:00

Hannover have completed the signing of Finland striker Mikael Forssell of Birmingham on a free transfer.

The 27-year-old has signed a contract linking the Bundesliga side until the summer of 2011.

Hanover's sporting director Christian Hochstatter, who has worked with the injury-plagued leader during his brief spell at Borussia Monchengladbach five years ago, said the club's official website: "We are very pleased that we can persuade them Mikael join Hannover. "

Forssell was a member of the squad relegated Birmingham at Barclays Premier League this month.

He added: "I am eager to play in Hanover and in the Bundesliga."

German soccer club have become the most profitable in Europe

2008-05-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

LONDON, May 29 - Top German football clubs have become the most profitable in Europe, exceeding the England Premier League despite the latter lead more and more revenue, a report said Thursday.

The Bundesliga has become Europe's most profitable league in the 2006/07 season (the latest data available), hit the prime minister his first place, according to the Annual Review of Football Finance, published by accounting firm Deloitte.

"The continuation of the arrivals on the success and competition intense desire to have a peak (in English) clubs continue to invest heavily in their squad to play ... to the detriment of all clubs and Finance benefit of players and their agents, "said Dan Jones, a partner at Sports Group at Deloitte.

The German championship, which includes teams such as Bayern Munich, earned 250 million euros ($ 393.1 million) operating profit, or 18 percent of its revenues, the 2006/07 season, report to the Premier League, 141 million euros, giving a margin of 6 percent, according to the report.

German clubs profitability reflects the ability of players to keep salaries under control and despite the Bundesliga combined revenue of 1.3 billion euros which is far below the 2.2 billion euros generated by the Premiership , The report shows.

The Premier League generates about one fourth of the total 13.6 billion euros in revenue of Europe's top soccer leagues, but English clubs such as Chelsea - which pays captain John Terry over 125000 pounds per week - have spent much of their revenue spiral attracting and keeping players, the report said.

Although English clubs spend about two-thirds of their revenue on players salaries, German clubs allocate about 45 percent, the report said.

The Premier League total wages were more than 600000 euros higher than that of Spain and La Liga double the total salary cost of all German, french, Italian and Spanish leagues, the report shows.

Prudence clubs in Germany is regarded as some teams are still regarded as non-profit and as a law prohibits any person from owning a controlling stake in any club.

It is a different model of England, where billionaires such as Russian oil magnate Roman Abramovich has invested in clubs and inflated the market by paying high salaries and transfer fees.

Ten of the 20 shows football clubs are owned by non-British nationals, notes the report.

"Improving the cost containment that could establish an enterprise culture normal maximize profitability does not seem to be the case in the Premier League clubs," said Jones.

The Premier League, however, gains in turnover and worldwide attention. It attracts about 2.9 billion viewers worldwide per season and is expected to generate more than 1.9 billion pounds of revenue in the 2007/08 season, lifted by a new deal with broadcasting rights.

The English also seems championship win on the ground. Two English teams, Chelsea and Manchester United, earlier this month has played in the finals of the lucrative Champions League, a trophy that has not been in Germany for Bayern Munich won in 2001.

Bayern Munich chase Hans-Jorg Butt

2008-05-28T02:41:00.000-07:00

MUNICH, May 28 (Bundesliga) - Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has revealed the club are in talks with Benfica goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt.

The German champion is looking for a back-up for Michael Rensing, who is to be the first choice at the Allianz Arena next season following the departure of Oliver Kahn.

Hoeness told the Bild newspaper: "Yes, we are in talks with Hans-Jörg Butt."

Former Germany International Butt joined Benfica last year, against Bayer Leverkusen after losing his seat at Rene Adler, but has hardly featured for the Portuguese giants.

He is best known for taking penalties, having scored more than 20 times from the spot in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund have hired Juergen Klopp as coach

2008-05-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

BERLIN, May 23 - Borussia Dortmund have hired Juergen Klopp Thomas Doll's replacement as coach of Bundesliga club after the former international midfielder German resigned at the end of the season.

Klopp past 18 years as a player and coach at second division, but Mainz left the post at the end of last season after the club did not win the promotion of the Bundesliga.

The 40-year bear in the 1997 Champions League winners on a two-year contract through June 2010, club officials told a press conference on Friday.

Dortmund, the only Bundesliga club listed, finished 13rd in the league last season but qualified for the UEFA Cup by reaching the final of the German Cup.

Although they were beaten by Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga winners of Bavaria had already qualified for the Champions League Dortmund to take a berth in the UEFA Cup.

Thomas Doll resigned as coach of Borussia Dortmund

2008-05-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

BERLIN, May 19 - Thomas Doll has resigned as coach of Borussia Dortmund after the side finished a disappointing 13rd in the Bundesliga, the club said Monday.

Dortmund, Champions League winners 1997, "said Doll had offered his resignation on Monday after a meeting with the club executive Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Michael Zorc.

Doll took over 14 months and led Dortmund in the German Cup final, where they were beaten by Bayern Munich. They qualified for the UEFA Cup next season because Bayern will be playing in the Champions League.

"What will remain behind Thomas Doll is the job keeping us in the Bundesliga and qualification for the UEFA Cup by reaching the final of the German Cup," Watzke said in a statement.

Dortmund conceded 62 league goals last season, more than any other Bundesliga.