Bayern in 'intense and constructive talks' with Upamecano on contract

Bayern Munich are in "intense and very constructive talks" with centre back Dayot Upamecano, sporting director Christoph Freund said on Saturday.

The contract of the French international expires after the season and he is reportedly sought by several European top clubs. Latest reports said that Upamecano's side has submitted their ideas to the club which must now decide whether to meet them or not.

Freund said that a lot is being written and said and insisted that matters are not complicated.

"Upa is a world-class defender, he performs at the highest level and is in great shape. He's a key player for us. We're in intense and very constructive talks," he said.

"It's a crucial decision for him too. He feels very comfortable with the team and the coach. We're confident, it doesn't matter if it happens a day sooner or later. What matters is that it happens. It won't be going on forever.

"He feels at home here, with the team, the coach and the entire club."

Vincent Kompany said that "as a coach, you always have influence and play a role" but that his role was purely football-related."

"I focus on development. And that the player feels that not everything gets mixed up, the performance and contract situation. Football has to remain the priority, and that's what our talks are about."

Kompany and Freund were speaking ahead of Bayern's last home match of the year on Sunday against bottom club Mainz where they can increase their Bundesliga lead of currently eight points.

Bayern have dropped only two points in the league and have not lost their last Bundesliga home game of a year since 1987 but Kompany urged another top performance against Mainz, who have a new coach in Urs Fischer.

"There are always a few question marks when there's a new coach," Kompany said. "Everyone's fit, everyone's fresh. The players are fully focused."