Bayern Munich 'optimistic' Pep Guardiola will extend contract

Bayern Munich are 'optimistic' coach Pep Guardiola will stay on past the end of his contract next year despite reported interest from other major clubs.

Guardiola, who won more than a dozen titles in his four years at Barcelona, joined the Bavarians in July 2013 and won back-to-back Bundesliga titles in his first two seasons in charge.

Undefeated Bayern are already seven points clear at the top of the league after a record-breaking nine-match winning start as they chase an unprecedented fourth consecutive Bundesliga crown and the third under Guardiola.

Bayern are in London to play Arsenal on Tuesday in the Champions League and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said talks to secure Guardiola's services were in the pipeline.

"I have said that in the second half of 2015 there will be a [contract] discussion and after that there will be clarity," said Rummenigge.

"That talk is still pending but it will still take place sometime before the end of the year.

"There are a lot of things in favour of Bayern but it is clear there are most likely other good-looking brides out there other that Bayern. But at the end of the day we are optimistic that Pep Guardiola will stay at Bayern."

Bayern are top of their Champions League group with two wins in two matches and Guardiola is looking to emulate predecessor Jupp Heynckes, who lifted European football's biggest prize in 2013 as Bayern became the first German club to complete the treble.

The Spaniard has refused to comment on any issue related to a new deal and is reportedly top of the wish list for several major European clubs.