Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has joked that he is not in love with Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi in response to comments made by chief-executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
The German champions are believed to have had three bids knocked back for the 18-year-old during the January transfer window.
Rummenigge has admitted that Hudson-Odoi remains a target for Bayern, despite Chelsea's reluctance to do business last month, and the Bundesliga giants are expected to make a fresh approach in a few months' time.
Speaking publicly about Bayern's transfer business, Rummenigge said: "The only one Hasan would have liked to buy was this player from Chelsea.
"I have to say that he nearly fell in love with this player and his qualities. All the other things were rumours."
However, Salihamidzic has laughed off the jibe from Rummenigge by insisting that there is only one person he loves.
"You know the only one I'm in love with is my wife," he told Goal.com. "But I am very, very convinced of the qualities this player has. He has a finesse which we need to play good, successful and sometimes even spectacular football."
Bayern's most recent bid for Hudson-Odoi, who has yet to start in the Premier League, is believed to have been in the region of £35m.