Pep Guardiola (File)

Related Links

• Two-horse race for Bafana job
• Bafana coach's salary slashed
• Press hail 'brilliant' Ronaldo

Berlin - German giants Bayern Munich are in talks to sign former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola when current boss Jupp Heynckes steps down in 2013, mass circulation Bild reported on Tuesday.

Bayern's director of football Christian Nerlinger held talks in May with Guardiola's brother Pere, who is also his advisor, on the sidelines of the Spanish Cup Final, which Barcelona won 3-0, Bild said.

"The world-class manager is said to have signalled his interest," the paper wrote.

Guardiola, 41, delivered three Spanish league trophies, two Champions Leagues, two FIFA World Club Cups, two UEFA Supercups, three Spanish Supercups and two Spanish Cup victories in four years as coach at the Nou Camp.

Heynckes has a contract running until 2013. Bild said this was "perfect timing."

"Guardiola wants to take a year out to recharge his batteries and study. It's perfect timing ... he can then learn German at his leisure," said the paper, usually well informed on comings and goings at Bayern's Allianz Arena.

Bayern defender Holger Badstuber, who is with the Germany team at Euro 2012 and is set to face Greece in Friday's quarter-final, said Heynckes' boots will be hard to fill.

"It's news to me, but we have a legendary coach in Jupp Heynckes who has wealth of experience and whoever comes after him is for the board to decide," said Badstuber.