Bayern Munich have admitted that it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be able to sign Javi Martinez this summer.
The club were reported to have lodged a €40m bid for the player, enough to trigger his automatic release clause and begin negotiations.
However, it has since transpired that the Bavarians’ offer to the Basque club was closer to the €35m, with tax rates then taking it up to €40m.
Meanwhile, rumours were also that Bayern were considering transferring the money to the player, rather than the club, so he could buy out his contract.
However, these were then met with the suggestion that Athletic would intend to report the club and player to FIFA for illegally breaking his contract.
It is a series of events that has Bayern’s President admitting that the likelihood of the player arriving in the Bundesliga is slimming.
“At the moment, it is difficult to see that the signing will take place, Hoeness told n-tv.
“In Bilbao the people are stubborn and seem pretty willing to explout every possible way in which to ensure that the transfer is not completed.”
Even so, other reports today suggest an exemption from tax may in fact accelerate negotiations.
