Bayern Munich are confident Bastian Schweinsteiger will sign a new contract and insist they are in no hurry to resolve the issue.
The midfielder revealed on Saturday that he would not be pressurised into signing fresh terms, but with his current contract set to run until 2012, he knows there is no rush.
Bayern general manager Christian Nerlinger remains optimistic of tying Schweinsteiger down on a long-term basis.
“In regard to Bastian, the most important thing for us is that a new contract is signed,” he told the club’s official website.
“The concrete date of seeing him sign new terms is not that important for us.
“He has told us that we are his first option. We are not in talks just yet, we are not going to put him under any pressure.
“He is an important player for our team, though, and we are looking forward to speaking with him.”
Zenith
Schweinsteiger is reported to have attracted interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United and could be tempted to take on a new challenge.
Former team-mate Michael Ballack suggested that Schweinsteiger is approaching the peak of his career and should consider his options.
“He has taken on the responsibility placed in him and is now in a phase when he is looking to reach the zenith of his career,” Ballack told Kicker magazine.
“He took a huge step forwards at the World Cup. He has presence, authority, personality, performance and goals – he has everything.
“Only he will be able to feel what is right for him for the future.
“Of course, every footballer is attracted to certain things and Bastian will feel these also. But there are not that many big clubs around and Bayern is one of them.
“On the other hand, Real or Man United are both attractive and he would fit in well at both clubs.”
