Bayern Munich deny they are close to finding a new manager for next season. Reports today suggest the Bavarian club have approached the agent of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has also been mentioned as a target in the German media.

But Bayern said they have not spoken to any manager and will only address the issue as and when it becomes necessary to do so.

Last week, Ottmar Hitzfeld took over as coach from Felix Magath until the end of the season, but he could be kept on beyond the summer.

"We can state with all certainty that, as of today's date (Monday), no coach has been contacted or any talks in this respect have been held," the club's board said in a statement last night.

"All the names and speculation circulating at the moment have no grounds whatsoever."