Munich: Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm will extend his contract with the club until 2012 after talks with incoming coach Juergen Klinsmann, it has been reported.

"There have been very good talks with the board but also with new coach Juergen Klinsmann in which I sensed a great spirit of optimism which has convinced me," Lahm was quoted as saying by the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung to appear on Saturday.

The 24-year-old full-back, named Friday in a provisional 26-man Germany squad for the European Championships, had spoken of a wish to play abroad.

Barcelona and Manchester United had been linked with Lahm whose present contract expires in 2009 when he could leave Bayern on a free transfer.

Bayern had been trying to get the defender to sign an early contract extension, but announced last month they were withdrawing their offer after the negotiations had failed to progress. Klinsmann, who succeeds Ottmar Hitzfeld for next season, had made it clear he wanted Lahm to stay.

 

Source : IANS