Manchester United have been given fresh hope in the race to sign French star Franck Ribery.
The Bayern Munich winger has been courted by a number of the top sides in europe, with United and Chelsea the Premier League clubs heavily linked to the player.
The German giants, currently sitting third in Bundesliga, have been desperate to keep hold of their prize asset. However, officials at the club have realised that Ribery may have to be sold to avoid him leaving for free in 2011.
The 26-year-old remains undecided on his future, understandable considering the amount of interest from some of the best clubs in the world. He has missed the last two months of action with injury and illness, watching from the sidelines as Munich crashed out of the Champions League.
"If Ribery does not extend his contract in the spring, it would be irresponsible from a financial perspective to keep him," said Bayern official Uli Hoeness.
“We’d just be giving away €50-60 million in that case."
