Bayern dismiss Babel transfer reports

Bayern Munich director of sport Christian Nerlinger has rubbished rumours linking his club with a bid for Liverpool forward Ryan Babel.

The Dutchman is reportedly one of Bayern coach Louis van Gaal's targets this winter, should he still be in charge of the Bavarian club, but Nerlinger denies there is any interest.

"I don't know anything about it and so you can take it for granted that there is no truth in it," he told the German Telekom's Liga total television channel.

Since Bayern are likely to sell striker Luca Toni this summer, a new forward to replace him is one of Van Gaal's targets, but it is unlikely Babel would be keen on a transfer if it meant he would still be sitting on the bench.

With Mario Gomez, Miroslav Klose, Ivica Olic and Thomas Muller, Van Gaal already has plenty of options in his attack, which is why World Cup winner Toni is so keen to leave and find first-team football elsewhere.

"Thank god the transfer market is opening soon," he told Italy's Rai television.

"I am a key part of this club as far as the fans and the club is concerned, but he (Van Gaal) prefers a different kind of player.

"There are a few clubs in Italy who I like."