Voller: Lars Bender and Andre Schurrle are not for sale

Voller: Bender and Schurrle are not for sale

01-Aug-2012 10:20:00 PM

The director has categorically stated the talented duo will be staying at the BayArena for the coming season, amidst transfer interest from Europe's top sides

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has ruled out a summer departure for key duo Lars Bender and Andre Schurrle from the club.

And Voller has stepped out to insist he has no intention of parting with the duo, regardless of the sum offered.

"We could have pocketed more than €50 million for both players had we sold them, but 'no' fell easy to us," Voller mused to Bild.

"We will achieve more with Bender and Schurrle than without them, as they have no equivalent substitutes. I am not afraid of having disgruntled players - these guys have a top character.

"I will say it again: both of them will be staying here."

Bender has been publicly courted by Bayern Munich after the Bavarians move for Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez failed, while Chelsea have been joined by Serie A side Inter in the list of clubs interested in Schurrle.