Why Bayern Munich are set to turn to Eintracht Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac

Bayern Munich appear to be on the verge of hiring Eintracht Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac to take charge next season.

Kicker magazine this morning reported that the German champions will pay £1.9m to trigger a release clause in Kovac's existing contract with Frankfurt.

The 46-year-old has a contract through June 2019 with Frankfurt, but the release clause reportedly applies for Bayern and two foreign clubs.

Kovac would take over from Jupp Heynckes, 72, who stepped out of retirement to take charge at Bayern last October but has long said he will not continue beyond the end of the season. Bayern's attempts to convince Heynckes otherwise were unsuccessful.

The Croat is exceptionally well thought of in Germany, saving Frankfurt from relegation after taking over in March 2016 and leading them to the German Cup final the following season. Champions League qualification is possible this season after another stellar campaign and Frankfurt has a German Cup semi-final match against Schalke next week.

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Kovac has worked with a very tight budget at Frankfurt and yet has led them up the table regardless, implementing an attacking style of football with an attractive 3-5-2 formation.

Kicker said Kovac informed Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bobic on Thursday of his intention to move, though his two-year deal with Bayern was struck two weeks ago.

Tabloids Bild and Sport Bild also reported that Bayern has settled on its former defensive midfielder as coach. Bild said Kovac is to bring his brother Robert as assistant coach, while efforts were also made to keep Heynckes' assistant, Peter Hermann, at the club.

Despite relative inexperience after a stint in charge of Croatia, Kovac saved Frankfurt from relegation after taking over in March 2016 and led them to the German Cup final the following season. Champions League qualification is possible this season after another stellar campaign. Frankfurt has a German Cup semi-final match against Schalke next week.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on March 31 that the club would likely announce Heynckes' successor before the end of April.