Magath to Bayern in 2005

The Bavarians have endured a disappointing term in which they failed to win a trophy.

Hitzfeld, who had led Bayern to four Bundesliga titles and two German Cups as well as a Champions League triumph in 2001, had been contracted to the end of the 2004/05 season but will now leave on June 30.

In a statement on its website, Bayern said it was still undecided who would coach the team next season. Club officials said last week they had talked with Stuttgart about a deal to get Magath immediately.

"We'll talk about how things will go from July 1 after the last game of the season," commercial manager Uli Hoeness said. Magath, a former Germany international with a reputation as a fierce disciplinarian, has moulded Stuttgart's young team into one of the Bundesliga's most attractive outfits. His contract with Stuttgart expires on June 30, 2005.

German media have speculated Stuttgart would demand compensation of four million euros to let Magath leave early.

The team is only one point behind second-placed Bayern in the race for an automatic Champions League place next season.

Hitzfeld, once a candidate to take the job of national coach now held by Rudi Voeller, said he had not decided what to do but would not move straight to another club next season.

"I'm going to switch off and regenerate and I just have to work through everything first," he said.