Hargreaves hoping for surprise Christmas present

Bayern Munich's England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves, pictured August 2006, admits he still harbours hopes of a January move to Manchester United but admits it would be a surprise if the German champions let him leave.

Bayern Munich's England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves admits he still harbours hopes of a January move to Manchester United but admits it would be a surprise if the German champions let him leave.

Manchester United had a reported 25 million euro (33.1 million dollar) bid for Hargreaves snubbed at the start of the season and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has openly said he would return with an increased offer in January.

Asked on whether he would be playing in Munich or Manchester come January Hargreaves told Kicker magazine: "I have no idea (where I will be playing) as it is not in my hands - I do not have any influence on the decision.

"But there are always surprises in life and a thousand things can happen in the winter break."

The 25-year-old Hargreaves has not played since September 16 when he broke his leg in Bayern's 2-1 defeat to Arminia Bielefeld.

The leg has yet to heal properly and the 2001 Champions League winner admits he will have to wait until next year before resuming first team action.

"I hoped to play a few games this year but now I have to write it off as it is better if I don't play," said Hargreaves.

Bayern, struggling to retain their German crown, have promised their fans that Hargreaves, contracted in Munich until June 2010, will be playing for them when he returns to full fitness.

"Under no circumstances will we allow Hargreaves to go in January," said general manager Uli Hoeness.

"All Manchester United's attempts to sign him will be in vain."