Altintop is out of contract at the end of the season with Madrid boss Jose Mourinho keep to secure his signature and follow up the capture of Nuri Sahin earlier this week.

Rummenigge told Welt Online: "It is true that Real Madrid are interested in signing Hamit Altintop. The Madrid board have informed us of their interest which they were not obliged to do.

"Hamit only started three games for us this season and that is not enough for him. We understand and respect his decision.

"He told us he did not want to extend his contract with Bayern."

Altintop, 28, was born in Germany but plays international football for Turkey.

He made his name at Schalke before moving to Bayern in 2007.