Bayern wants ´astronomic´ sum for Ribery: Real

Bayern Munich are demanding “an astronomic sum” for French international midfielder Franck Ribery, Real Madrid’s managing director said Tuesday.

“There was interest (by Real) in Ribery at a certain point, but Bayern are sticking to a very hard position,” Jorge Valdano said.

“They don’t want to sell and that is why they are proposing an astronomic sum.”

Spanish media said Tuesday that Ribery would prefer a move to Real than to other clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea or Barcelona.

The sports newspaper Marca said that Ribery’s transfer could be announced this week.

Another sports paper, AS, said Ribery discussed his future at a meeting last weekend with his family and his agent, Alain Migliaccio, who also works for Zinedine Zidane, the France legend who is now adviser to Real’s new president Florentino Perez.

“Real (Madrid) or nothing,” was the conclusion of the meeting, according to AS.

The German media has said only an offer of more than 60 million euros could tempt Bayern to sell the 26-year-old, who is under contract with the club until 2011.

Perez has vowed to create a “spectacular team” capable of overtaking arch-rivals Barcelona next season.

During his first stint as president, from 2000 to 2006, he oversaw the era of the “Galacticos” when world stars such as France’s Zinedine Zidane, England’s David Beckham and Brazil’s Ronaldo were attracted to the club.

This month, he signed Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record 94 million euros, days after paying AC Milan 65 million euros for Brazilian playmaker Kaka.