Hoeness dampens Bayern transfer talk

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says incoming coach Pep Guardiola is yet to identify any players he wants to bring to the club.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says incoming coach Pep Guardiola is yet to identify any players he wants to bring to the club.

The former Barcelona coach will take over at Allianz Arena next season, prompting a wave of speculation linking the club with the likes of Neymar and Robert Lewandowski.

However, Hoeness has claimed the reports are all untrue, and hinted Bayern may not be tempted to enter the transfer market, having spent heavily prior to the 2012/13 campaign.

“The rumours about the players Guardiola desires are false,” Hoeness told Bild.

“Guardiola has still not called a player he would have liked. There was talk about positions which he considers could be improved on if possible, but he has not named any names.

“When I look at how strong our squad is, I don’t think we need to make too many changes in the summer. I do not think that we will buy anyone in the next few years who is more expensive than (Javi) Martinez,” he added, referring to the acquisition of the Spain international from Athletic Bilbao for a reported fee of 40 million euros in August.

Guardiola led Barcelona to 14 trophies between 2008 and 2012 at Camp Nou and signed an agreement to take over at Bayern in January.

He will replace Jupp Heynckes when the incumbent coach steps down at the end of this season.