TAXING TIMES

Last updated : 17 November 2006 By Ed

From the Telegraph.

Bayern Munich have warned Manchester United that even £20 million will not be enough to tempt them to sell Owen Hargreaves.

United failed to land the England midfielder during the last transfer window, despite a lengthy pursuit, and now Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims that tough German tax laws would leave the club out of pocket if they sold him.

Rummenigge said: "Owen's injury has been hurting us, and we have thought about what to do if Manchester United make a good offer.

"But we will not sell him. Only the financial minister would be happy about the transfer. "Even if we get 30 million euros (£20 million) for Hargreaves, and we sign a player for that, we can only get the tax back on contracts.

"Around 30 million euros over four years is 7.5 million each year and we have to pay tax on that."

But despite becoming embroiled in a bitter war of words with Rummenigge and Bayern managing director Uli Hoeness during the summer, after admitting his desire for a move to Old Trafford, the Canada-born midfielder has not given up all hope.

Hargreaves said: "It's not up to me, but United have been very open in the fact they would like to sign me.

"It's a great honour and we'll see what happens. But the most important thing, at this stage, is for me to get healthy and fit again."