Bayern Munich throws very cold water on Bernd Leno transfer rumor

One day’s rumor is another day’s denial of that rumor.

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said in a statement released by the club that, "There's nothing to this Bild story” linking Bayer Leverkusen and Germany goalkeeper Bernd Leno with a January move to Bavaria.

“It's a total hoax," Salihamidzic added. "We are very happy with our goalkeepers."

Bild reported that with still involved three competitions and lingering uncertainty over No. 1 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's fitness, the German champions were interested in signing Leno to join Sven Ulreich and Tom Starke.

According to ESPN (via Bild) Neuer is convinced he will be able to play in next year's World Cup but remains uncertain about when he will make his Bayern comeback. Neuer is out after fracturing a bone in his foot in September — the third time he has suffered such an injury this year.

Neuer, the Bayern and Germany captain, who said his recovery from yet another foot injury could take at least six months, added: "I have to say the other goalkeepers have performed well, but I fully expect to be back in goal at the World Cup. In my opinion, there's nothing standing in the way of me playing in the World Cup."

There is currently no timeline for Neuer’s return. Ulreich, following a shaky start, has produced a series of impressive performances, though he injured his adductor in the warmup before Bayern's weekend win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The retired/unretired Starke played well in place of Ulreich. Promising teenager Christian Früchtl is also injured and is expected to miss six weeks after recent surgery.