Bayern Munich Not Interested In Manchester United Forward

Bayern Munich have denied reports suggesting the club are interested in signing Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

The England international's future at Old Trafford has been thrown in severe doubt after outgoing United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the forward had handed in a transfer request, which was subsequently rejected by the club.

The Bundesliga champions had been reported as a possible destination for Rooney, but Bayern have since unequivocally denied that they are interested in signing the 27-year-old.

"I don't know what Rooney would bring to the Bundesliga," Bayern's sporting director Matthias Sammer is quoted as saying in The Guardian. "I can't answer that. I can answer that we have great respect for Wayne Rooney but there has been no contact with him. There is no contact and he's not on the agenda. No, no. Absolutely not."

The Manchester United forward had been linked with a host of clubs even before the news of his transfer request came to light. Reports of discontent regarding Rooney have circulated throughout the second half of the season, heightened by the forward's omission from Ferguson's starting XI in the club's Champions League second leg clash with Real Madrid in March.

The form of Robin van Persie following his summer arrival from Arsenal has ensured that the Dutchman has been the focal point of United's attack often at the expense of Rooney.

Furthermore, the forward's omission from the United squad for the club's last home game of the season against Swansea heightened speculation that all was not well between the club and player.

Rooney had been odds on favourites to be plying his trade at the Allianz Arena come September 3 but Bayern's latest statement suggests they will be looking elsewhere to strengthen their front line, with a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski seemingly the more likely option.

Having handed in his second transfer request in the space of three years, Rooney's United future remains in severe doubt, although incoming manager David Moyes has suggested he will do everything in his power to keep the England international at Old Trafford.