Bayern Munich have denied they will consider selling Franck Ribery, despite quotes attributed to president Franz Beckenbauer, suggesting they would let the player go if he wanted to. According to a press release from the record German champions, the article was a "false announcement and does not reflect the truth".

In an interview today's Sport Bildmagazine, Beckenbauer was quoted as saying the Bayern advisory board had "discussed the issue at our last (...) meeting and we all agreed that, if he really wants to leave, then we will deal with the issue."

However, his remarks do not represent the club's official stance.

"There is no such resolution by the advisory board of FC Bayern Munich AG which includes the issue of a sale of the player Franck Ribery," explained the club in an official statement.

"The transfer (sale) of a player does not need the approval of the advisory board, according to the constitution of the FC Bayern Munich AG board of directors.

"The FC Bayern Munich AG board of directors have made the overwhelming resolution that the player Franck Ribery is not for sale."

With Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona all showing an interest in the France midfielder, by reinforcing their official stance in a statement, Bayern will hope to end speculation linking the 26-year-old with a transfer this summer.

And Bayern rarely stand down when it comes to the sale of contracted players, as the prolonged transfer saga involving Owen Hargreaves and Manchester United illustrates.

The England international was denied a transfer in 2006 only months after extending his contract with Bayern and United were warned to drop their interest in the player.

The issue was dealt with until Bayern signalled their willingness to listen to offers a year later and Hargreaves made the move to the Premier League club for a Bundesliga record sale of €25million.