Bayern Munich have dismissed reports that claim Spanish giants Real Madrid have already made an approach for midfielder Michael Ballack.
The 29-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has yet to decide on whether to remain with the Bavarians or move abroad.
However Bayern are still hopeful the Germany captain, who has also been linked with Manchester United, will commit himself to the club on a lucrative four-year deal and know Ballack cannot talk to anybody else until the New Year, six months before his contract expires.
"It wouldn't make sense for Real Madrid to announce negotiations before they were formally allowed to," Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness told the Suddeutsche Zeitung. "It's absolutely ridiculous."
Ballack is widely expected to move to Old Trafford in the summer to replace the aging Roy Keane, but intested from Real Madrid could put that move in doubt.
