Bayern Munich have been given permission to speak to Schalke playmaker Lincoln.

The 27-year-old Brazilian is regarded as a potential replacement for Michael Ballack, who will leave Bayern this summer.

Schalke team manager Andreas Muller confimed the contact from Bayern, but stressed his desire to keep Lincoln at the club.

“Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness has contacted our board chairman Clemens Tonnies and asked whether he can start negotiations with Lincoln’s agent. Tonnies said he could,” Muller admitted.

“Our position is quite clear: we want to keep Lincoln.

“I have spoken to him and asked whether he wants to leave us. He said he didn’t.”

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