Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is refusing to play for the club's reserves as he edges towards a move to the English Premier League.

Toni has fallen out of favour with Bayern manager Louis van Gaal and has been sent to the reserves but has refused to play in Germany's third division.

The Italian has been closely linked with compatriot Gianfranco Zola at West Ham and after recent events, a January move looks extremely likely.

"The trainer told me I should play for the reserves and get the chance to play 90 minutes. But I don't think that is a good idea," said Toni.

But van Gaal says he is not about to hand games to a player who is out of condition.

"A player has to be 100 per cent to play and Toni is not. It is a process that takes time - even if the player thinks he is ready," the Dutchman said.