Big-spending Premiership clubs are ready to pounce after Bayern Munich admitted the likely sale of Franck Ribery. Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all chasing the France international star.

Yesterday, Bayern chief Uli Hoeness admitted they would have to sell Ribery if he continued to refuse to discuss a new contract.

"Ribery is under contract until 2011. We must be realistic: if he does not renew in the spring, we will have to sell him in the summer and take 50 or 60 million (Euros). We cannot let him go for free a year later," said Hoeness.

"There are many clubs interested. Real Madrid and Chelsea want him at all costs. But this club has no financial problems and believed that it was more interesting to have him this season because he is one of the best in the world."