From correspondents in Bavaria, Germany, 10:01 PM IST

Bayern Munich appear close to hiring coach Louis van Gaal from AZ Alkmaar as the Dutch football champions Wednesday spoke of imminent talks between the clubs.

'We have received signals that Munich will make an approach,' said AZ sports director Marcel Brands.

But Brands dismissed a report from Dutch NOS radio that a deal has been done.

Van Gaal, 57, has a contract in Alkmaar until 2010. Munich want him from next season onwards after the sacking of Juergen Klinsmann. Jupp Heynckes is currently in charge of Germany's top club, but only as caretaker.

Van Gaal is said to have agreed to terms with Munich, and Munich general manager Uli Hoeness said late Tuesday that the hiring should be completed within 'the next four or five days.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)