Bayern Munich’s honorary president Franz Beckenbauer has said he is preparing to offload one of Bayern’s strikers should Manchester United agree to their latest offer for their unsettled Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Oranje forward has been at the centre of massive speculation throughout the summer since Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson accepted van Nistelrooy's third transfer request at the end of last season after an unhappy end to the 2005/06 season for the former Man Utd favourite since his move to Old Trafford in 2001.

German champions Bayern Munich have made no secret of their desire to sign the 30-year-old and now Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer has said that if they are successful, either fellow Dutch striker Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro will move to make way for the almost certain arrival of the Dutchman.

“We are still €5 million (£3.4 million) away from Manchester United's valuation, but the chances are still high,” said Beckenbauer.

“But if it does work out, I could imagine us giving away Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro.”

United are yet to decline the latest offer for the striker, who cost £18.5 million (€27.1 million), but have called van Nistelrooy back to pre-season training at the Carrington training ground while they hold out for an offer of £15 million (€22 million).

Munich have already spent €10.5 million (£7.16 million) this summer on Germany's World Cup Young Player of the Tournament, Lukas Podolski from recently relegated Bundesliga side FC Köln (Cologne).

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