Last Updated: Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:00
Chelsea have suffered a setback in their pursuit of French star Franck Ribery after claims he may stay with Bayern Munich.
The talented playmaker was the subject of much speculation during the summer with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea all thought to be keen.
The 26-year-old's contract runs out in 2011 and it had been thought he would depart the Allianz Arena in the summer, with Chelsea and Real Madrid in pole position to secure his services.
However, Ribery's agent, Alain Migliaccio, has now revealed the highly-coveted Frenchman may extend his stay with the Bundesliga giants if Bayern can build a team capable of competing with the best in Europe.
Migliaccio said: "The decision for Ribery depends on whether Bayern are capable of building a team which can hold its position in Europe.
"We must remember that Frank is under contract with Bayern until 2011 and as such, they hold the reins of the negotiations.
"Until we have met (chief executive, Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge and (president) Hoeness Nerlinger, nothing will be decided."