Beckenbauer hints at Hargreaves exit

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer has admitted for the first time that Owen Hargreaves could join Manchester United this summer - providing the price is right.

Speaking on Premiere television just a few hours before Bayern's Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan, Beckenbauer said: "If it is right that there is an offer of 25-30 million euros (£17m-£20m) for Hargreaves, then I would seriously consider it. I think the board also think this way to satisfy the needs of the player."

The 26-year-old England international has been a long-standing United target, but the Bavarians have resolutely refused to deal with the Premiership leaders.

They believe Hargreaves should honour the new four-year contract he signed last summer, but Beckenbauer feels a fee in the region of 30 million euros would allow his side greater freedom in the transfer market this summer.

Fiorentina striker Luca Toni tops Bayern's wish-list and Beckenbauer is confident his club can beat off the competition to land the Italy international.

"I can imagine Toni has a lot of offers," he said. "But it would be great if he opted for Bayern."