Lars Bender has moved to end speculation linking him with a move to Bayern Munich by expressing his happiness to be playing for Bayer Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Bayern's major transfer targets this summer, with the club's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge informing the press recently that the Bavarians were considering submitting an offer.

However, having recently signed a new deal with his currently employers, the German international has turned his attention to becoming a "key player" for Leverkusen.

"I just recently signed a new contract with Bayer Leverkusen," he told the club's official website. "I am ready to take my next step at this club.

"There has definitely been enough said about the whole thing now and I am not out to participate in any more rumours and speculation.

"I intend to become a real key player at Bayer Leverkusen and I intend to take over more responsibility in the first team."

Bender's contract with Leverkusen runs until the summer of 2017.