Allofs rejects Pizarro feud claims

Werder Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs has denied reports striker Claudio Pizarro was given an ultimatum during contract negotiations.

According to Bild, Pizarro was given a deadline of March 31 to decide if he would sign a new deal with Bremen.

The 33-year-old is rumoured to be the subject of interest from former club Bayern Munich, who may be set to offer Pizarro a two-year contract.

The Peru international is apparently likely to leave the Weserstadion at the end of the season, but Allofs has rejected claims Bremen’s stance drove the player away.

“Bild knows more than us,” Allofs said.

“It wasn’t communicated like that within the club and I don’t believe it.”

“You’d have to ask Bayern Munich. That is a thing between them and Claudio,” he added, when asked about the alleged negotiations between Pizarro and the Bavarian club.

Bayern are understood to be seeking striking reinforcements for next season, with Ivica Olic set to leave at the end of the campaign.

And fellow fringe forward Nils Petersen, who has struggled with injury since joining from Cottbus in May, is yet to convince.

Pizarro scored 100 goals during 251 appearances in all competitions for Bayern between 2001 and 2007.

He moved to Chelsea in 2007, before joining Bremen a year later, initially on loan.