Bayern denies interest

Khedira made the move to the Spaniards from Stuttgart while Ozil was signed from Werder Bremen, but Nerlinger says Bayern, who generally make its priority in signing the most talented German players, were not even interested in the pair.

"We did not get to the stage where we wanted to talk to them or even make an offer because we were not convinced that they would make it to the top level," said Nerlinger to Kicker magazine.

Bayern were rumoured to have already reached an agreement with Khedira that he would consider them before leaving Stuttgart for anywhere else, but Nerlinger has denied this.

The proof of that is the fact that Khedira did indeed move to Real. According to Nerlinger, had Bayern made such an agreement, then the Germany midfielder would now be playing for them.

"If FC Bayern wants a player, then we are absolutely capable of signing him or keeping hold of him," he added, claiming he would have had "no fear" of entering a bidding war with Real.

Rather, there was simply no place in the Bavarians' squad for the pair.

"We are 100% convinced with (Toni) Kroos in the attacking midfield position and (Thomas) Muller has risen like a shooting star in that position," he explained.