[Morrison]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/jan16f.html

Valeri Bojinov’s departure from Fiorentina seems increasingly likely after he revealed that Bayern Munich have stolen ahead of Inter in the race to sign him. "Bayern are my first choice," he said today.

Bojinov announced yesterday that he intends to leave Florence as soon as possible after finding himself out of favour with Coach Cesare Prandelli - who fielded new signing Luis Antonio Jimenez in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chievo.

The Tuscan side reacted by dropping the player for the trip to Sampdoria on Wednesday and sporting director Pantaleo Corvino made no secret of his disappointment in the youngster.

"If you make a mistake you will be punished," said Corvino. "And if you make a big mistake then the consequences will be even graver."

The former Lecce striker last night declared that he wanted to move to Inter and today the Milan club and the Viola were reported to be in discussions to negotiate a swap deal involving the controversial 23-year-old, Inter goalkeeper Francesco Toldo and possibly also fringe midfielder Claudio Pizarro.

However, it now seems that Bayern have made an approach for the Bulgaria international and Inter - whose President Massimo Moratti is keen to sign Michael Ballack in the summer - are unlikely to risk following in the steps of Juventus general director Luciano Moggi by damaging diplomatic relations with the German champions.

"In a few days time I will decide my destination which will be either Inter, Bayern or Hamburg," revealed Bojinov. "My first choice is Bayern."

This news of Bayern’s interest will nevertheless come as a blow to Inter Coach Roberto Mancini, who is becoming increasingly desperate for strikers.

With Julio Cruz having joined Alvaro Recoba on the treatment table and Obafemi Martins having left for African Nations Cup duty, second-placed Inter only have Adriano available seeing as there are now doubts over Victor Obinna’s arrival following his Nigerian call-up.