Bayern fancy Robben

Rumours are rife that Chelsea could deliberately upset Manchester United's plan to sign Hargreaves by bringing the England international to Stamford Bridge.

Ironically, Robben was the subject of a similar transfer hijack by the Premiership champions but the Dutch winger is potential bait in any deal.

"He is a very good player," said Magath of Robben to Bild. "He can score with his left foot and his right foot."

Although Hargreaves wants to move to Manchester to be closer to his family's roots, it is believed Bayern are frustrated with Sir Alex Ferguson's public courting of a key member of their team who is under contract until 2010.

Hence, the Bundesliga giants could attempt to include Hargreaves in any bid for Robben, knowing that they have an unhappy player on their hands.

Quite where Jose Mourinho, whose own future is the subject for much debate on Friday, would fit another defensive midfielder into his squad is another matter although Claude Makelele is not getting any younger.

Mourinho, said to be house-hunting in Milan, is quoted in Friday's edition of The Sun as telling a 'close pal': "That's it - I'm going at the end of the season."