Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has likened Thomas Muller to club legend Franz Beckenbauer amid claims Manchester United failed with a world-record bid for the Germany international.
German football magazine kicker reported on Monday that United had made a €120 million (£88m) offer for Muller after Louis van Gaal made the forward a priority target during the summer.
However, Rummenigge -- who told Suddeutsche Zeitung earlier this month that Bayern had turned down a "very high" offer for Muller -- has repeatedly made clear that the 26-year-old is a central part of Bayern's plans and has suggested the Bavarian bears comparison with the club's greatest legend.
Munich-born Beckenbauer came through the youth ranks at Bayern, winning four Bundesliga titles, three European Cups, one Cup Winners' Cup and four German Cups.
After coaching West Germany to the 1990 World Cup, he also served as Bayern club president, and briefly as interim head coach in 1994 and 1996, before taking on his current role as honorary president.
Apparently referring to Muller's unpredictable technique and wit off the pitch, Rummenigge also drew comparisons with a famous Bavarian comedian, sometimes called the "Charlie Chaplin of Germany."
He told kicker: "He's a mix of Karl Valentin and Franz Beckenbauer. He's a Bavarian through and through. Always with a hidden meaning."
He added: "Thomas does things where you ask yourself: 'What's he up to now?' and all of a sudden the ball hits the back of the net."
Bayern sporting executive Matthias Sammer added: "Thomas is so successful because no coach can decode him tactically."
Muller, who has never previously scored more than 13 Bundesliga goals in a season, has netted six times in his opening four games of the current campaign.
However, the forward, who is reported to have been offered an annual salary of €12.5 million on a five-year deal at Old Trafford, said he is only focused on the team's success.
"I don't define myself in terms of requiring a certain goal rate," Muller said.
He also outlined his determination to win the Champions League for the second time after the club's 2013 success.
Speaking ahead of Bayern's group-stage opener against Olympiakos, he said: "The main goal is the title."