Real Madrid still face competition from Bayern Munich to sign Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to the German club's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

The Holland international is expected to leave Old Trafford in the next few days, with United believed to be holding out for £15 million after Real reportedly failed with a £12 million bid.

Van Nistelrooy is due back for pre-season training with United on Monday, but Madrid's new coach Fabio Capello — who today signed Juventus pair Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson — insisted: "We're trying to get him signed.

"Every club wants to bring in important players, but it's the players themselves who have the final word."

However, Rummenigge still believes Bayern can agree a deal to take Van Nistelrooy to the Allianz Arena.

Bayern are only willing to match Real's offer but Rummenigge is confident their good relationship with United could sway the deal in their favour, with one possibility being a player-plus-cash deal with England midfielder Owen Hargreaves travelling in the opposite direction.

"There is a great relationship between the two clubs, and I know Van Nistelrooy wants to come to Bayern," said Rummenigge.

"The chances (of him joining) are changing by the day, but we have not written him off. Roy Makaay was signed in August a few years ago."