By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich has found a new coach according to several media reports. It is widely assumed that 46-year-old Nico Kovac will take over the job in the new season.
Influential newspapers and magazines like the national tabloid "Bild," plus "Sport-Bild" and the "Kicker" are reporting that the current coach at Eintracht Frankfurt will join the 2018 German champion when Jupp Heynckes leaves in May.
Several TV-stations are talking of a done deal as Kovac has an exit clause in his contract that expires in 2019. Bayern assumedly will pay 2.2 million euro for Frankfurt's approval to release Kovac this summer.
"Kicker" is reporting that the new head coach will be given a two-year contract. Frankfurt's club management is said to be already informed.
It recently came to light that 45-year-old Thomas Tuchel rejected the offer to take over in Munich. The former Borussia Dortmund coach is said to be joining Paris St Germain as the successor to Emery Unai.
Tuchel told Bayern two weeks ago he is no longer available as he has agreed on a deal with a top European side. French media expect Tuchel to take over in the capital.
So far both Bayern's and Eintracht Frankfurt officials have refused to comment on the latest rumors but have not denied them either. Pundits regard the deal as approved.
Kovac was mentioned as the 2013 treble winner's first choice after the club's leaders announced they would only consider a German-speaking coach. Leipzig's Ralph Hasenhuettl and Hoffenheim's Julian Nagelsmann were struck off Bayern's list of candidates after their clubs refused to allow them to depart.
Kovac might not have the experience of the recent Bayern coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Heynckes but is a well-known face in Munich. From 2001 to 2003, the former Croatian international played for the club, helping them to the league championship and the cup.
Berlin-born Kovac was part of Bayern's squad together with Hasan Salihamidzic, the club's current sports director. Both are said to have a close relationship.
The defensive midfielder won 83 caps for Croatia and was the country's coach for two years from 2013 to 2015, which included the campaign at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. As a player, Kovac was involved in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
In addition to Bayern, he also turned out for Hertha BSC, Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV and FC Salzburg.
In 2016, Kovac took over at Frankfurt saving the them from relegation. He also guided them to the German cup final where they lost 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund. Currently, Frankfurt is fifth in the table and is hoping to qualify foran international competition.
Kovac attracted attention as he has managed to turn Frankfurt into a leading Bundesliga club this season despite the club's modest funds.
Although he can count on international experience both as a player and Croatian national coach, Kovac has never coached clubs of such international renown as Bayern.
Kovac is said to be the wish of club president Uli Hoeness as he favors former Bayern players to work for them. It is assumed Kovac will continue to be assisted by his brother Robert, another former Bayern professional who currently works alongside him in Frankfurt. Heynckes' assistant Peter Hermann is expected to stay with the Bavarians as well.
After media reports indicate Franck Ribery will extend his contract to 2019, it is said former Dutch international Arjen Robben will follow suit. The pair appear to have turned down lucrative offers from Chinese clubs.
