There have long been rumours of a take-over of Deutsche Bank

The article, in Der Spiegel weekly magazine on Monday, cited sources close to the German central bank.

"There is no such request, the report is lacking any factual or logical basis ," a finance ministry official said.

Deutsche Bank's shares have risen on speculation there could be a take-over, and at 1200 GMT stood at 75.33 euros.

'No sense'

Last Thursday, its shares surged over 9% amid rumours that US bank Citibank would make a bid.

But a senior official at Germany's central bank ruled out speculation that JP Morgan has expressed interest in a deal.

"It really doesn't make any sense," the Bundesbank official said. "It is not worth taking seriously."

In February, Deutsche Bank's chief executive Josef Ackermann had said that he did not expect an unfriendly takeover, and had added that the bank was well placed for mergers involving German banks.

However, the focus for a takeover has remained international.

The German government does not have a stake in Deutsche Bank and cannot block its sale legally.

But it could present political obstacles to any buyer of what is seen as a national institution.

In January, JP Morgan bought Bank One of America for $58bn.