Owen Hargreaves has admitted defeat in his bid to join Manchester United, according to his agent.

The England midfielder was keen to leave Bayern Munich for Old Trafford, but the German club has refused to sanction the transfer.{{more}}

Hargreaves’ agent Roman Grill said: “We have to accept there is no way Bayern will allow this transfer to happen.

“His only hope is that if United remain interested in him the deal could happen at a later date.”

United have been chasing Hargreaves and were thought to be willing to pay £17m for the player, who was one of England’s few success stories at the World Cup.

But Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness underlined his club’s intention to hold on to Hargreaves, even after the arrival of Mark van Bommel.

Hoeness said: “Owen stays – you can bet your house on that. Manchester United will have to plan without him.” (BBC)