Klose apologises to Werder for meeting Bayern bosses

BERLIN, Apr 28 (Reuters) Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose apologised to his club for meeting Bayern Munich executives earlier this week.

''The meeting with Bayern was only an informational conversation and not a contract negotiation,'' last year's World Cup top scorer told the German sports news agency SID. ''It only lasted 20 minutes but the timing was obviously unfortunate.

''I want to apologise to Werder and all the fans. I should have told the coach and manager about it.'' Werder trail leaders Schalke 04 by two points with four games remaining in the Bundesliga title race. Bayern are fourth, nine points off the pace.

Schalke visit VfL Bochum later yesterday while Werder travel to Arminia Bielefeld tomorrow.

According to local media, German international Klose met Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and commercial manager Uli Hoeness in a Hanover hotel yesterday.

''We accept the apology but make it clear a transfer inside Germany before June 30, 2008 is not possible,'' said Werder commercial manager Klaus Allofs.

Klose has one year left on his contract.

REUTERS TB BST0441