FCB, MUNICH
With a week remaining before the summer transfer window closes, Bayern have pulled off a major transfer coup with the capture of powerful Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel, general manager Uli Hoeneß revealed ahead of kick-off in the German champions’ Bundesliga meeting with Nuremberg on Saturday.

“We’ve finalised an agreement with Barcelona and with the player,” Hoeneß announced. The 30-year-old schemer is due in Munich next week for a medical before putting his name to a three-year contract. Van Bommel moves for an undisclosed fee.

First outing in Cup cracker?

The Bayern board held a final round of talks with the player and his agent during Munich’s trip to Barcelona for a friendly match last Tuesday. “We brought someone back with us from Barcelona,” Hoeneß quipped. The Dutch international, who is eligible to appear in the Champions League for his new club, could make his debut for the Bavarians away to third division St. Pauli in the German Cup on 9 September.

“He’s a real personality,” Hoeneß commented. The 1.87 metre, 85 kilogramme midfield dynamo shot to prominence with PSV Eindhoven, winning the Dutch league four times and the domestic knockout Cup once. Van Bommel switched to Barcelona at the start of last season, collecting winners’ medals in the Spanish championship and the Champions League in a triumphant campaign for the Catalan giants. “We definitely need a player of his quality,” coach Felix Magath remarked.

Hargreaves staying put

Van Bommel’s arrival concludes Bayern’s transfer dealings for the summer, as Hoeneß reiterated the club would not allow Owen Hargreaves to leave. “We came to closure on the matter two weeks ago, and it’s staying closed. Owen’s staying with us. Alex Ferguson will have to cope without Owen Hargreaves,” the general manager declared.