Bayern Munich want Van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy's future at Old Trafford is uncertain

Bayern Munich admit they are interested in Manchester United's Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy, 29, failed to hold down a regular place at Old Trafford last season and reportedly fell out with boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rumenigge told newspaper Bild: "He wanted to come to us in 2001.

"We will do nothing behind the backs of Manchester United, first we must find out if he really is on the market."

Manchester United paid PSV Eindhoven £19m for the Dutch international striker in July 2001.

His impressive record, which has seen him score 95 goals in 137 Premiership appearances, has made him a cult figure at Old Trafford.

But he had to settle for a place on the bench for much of the second half of last season and his relationship with Ferguson reportedly broke down.

Van Nistelrooy left United's final game of last season before kick-off and was subsequently told he would not be allowed to appear in Roy Keane's testimonial.

The Dutch striker admitted he has been given no indication that United are keen to sell him.

If they are, Bayern will face competition for one of Europe's most devastating strikers, with AC Milan keen to find a replacement for Andriy Shevchenko, who has joined Chelsea.