Bayern Munich confirm van der Wiel interest

German league and cup champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday confirmed interest in hiring Dutch World Cup right back Gregory van der Wiel.

Munich chairman Karl-heinz Rummenigge said that reports of Munich's interest were "no fluke" but that no final decision on an offer has made.

"We will look into the issue and talk to the coach. Then we will see. In theory we have time until August 31. Sometimes you must do these things quietly so that they don't become too expensive," said Rummenigge.

Van der Wiel's current club Ajax Amsterdam has reportedly slapped a 20-millione euros price tag on the 22-year-old. Spanish champions Barcelona are also said to be interested in van der Wiel, who was World Cup runner-up to Spain with the Dutch team last week.

In the case of a Munich hiring, van der Wiel would join compatriot coach Louis van Gaal and Netherlands team-mates Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben there.

Rummenigge said that Munich plan no other major pre-season hirings. They have German World Cup squad member Toni Kroos back from a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Munich chairman said that the absence of 13 World Cup players from a large chunk of pre-season training is not ideal, but that he believes in a good start into the season which Munich open on August 20 at home against the 2009 champions VfL Wolfsburg.

"Of course it won't be easy. The World Cup players only have a three-week break. But I am convinced that our coach will got it done. I am convinced that we will get out of the starting blocks well," Rummenigge said.