The mercurial Werder Bremen midfielder has long been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga outfit, with Serie A his likely destination.

However, it is now being claimed that Bayern Munich have joined Inter and Juventus in the race for his signature. The Bavarian giants see Diego as an ideal replacement should Franck Ribery be tempted away from the Allianz Arena.

Bayern manager Uli Hoeness has already admitted in the Suddeutsche Zeitung that Diego “becomes an issue for us if Ribery actually leaves”.

Ribery has today been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, but Spanish giants Barcelona are also heavily linked with the French winger.

With the news of increased interest in Diego, Werder have revealed that they will find it extremely difficult to fend off any offers that come in for the 24-year-old.

"We are Werder Bremen and we will always have to examine the circumstances of the business," Allofs told TV station Premiere.

"I cannot say we are not selling any player.

"If Bayern Munich gives us a call, I will not hang up straight away.

"We have a few enquiries about Diego, not only from Juventus."

Mathew Burt, Goal.com