New Bayern deal could be on for Ribery

Franck Ribery has indicated that he may be willing to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich after appearing to fall back in love with the club at the weekend.

The Frenchman made a point of racing to coach Louis van Gaal to celebrate his first goal of the season in Saturday's 5-1 triumph over Borussia Dortmund to end speculation the pair did not see eye to eye.

And the smile on his face remained after the game as he declared his love for the club he so eagerly wanted to leave in the summer when Real Madrid showed their interest.

"I feel loved here," he said. "It is important for me that the important people at the club have faith in me.

"And the reaction of the fans to my comeback did me good - it gave me lots of strength."

Ribery can now see himself staying with the Bundesliga club beyond the scheduled end of his contract in 2011.

"The club will already have their ideas and I already have mine. We just need one short meeting and everything can be decided," he added.

With Real Madrid believed to be ready to take advantage of a controversial clause in the FIFA statutes which would allow them to sign Ribery for a sum way below his true market value next summer, when he has completed three years' service for the club, Bayern are keen on tying Ribery down to a longer deal.

That may also include a clause enabling the 26-year-old to join Real, just as long as they pay a more realistic price for his services.

Bayern were reported to have turned down bids of up to 70 million euros for Ribery, who was also a target of Chelsea and Manchester United, this summer and they would expect at least as much to prise him away next year.