Hansi Flick wants Bayern Munich to retain 'important' Jérôme Boateng | OneFootball

Hansi Flick is holding out hope that Bayern Munich can convince Jérôme Boateng to extend his long association with the club.

The 32-year-old centre-back, who joined from Manchester City in 2011, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Both sides have been unable to reach agreement on a new deal, leading many to believe that the 2014 World Cup winner is destined to leave next summer.

But Flick refuses to concede that Boateng’s departure is inevitable.

Speaking about the situation to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, the Bayern boss said: “I did not hear that there was no more planning with Jérôme in such clarity.”

And Flick was at pains to state how highly he rates the former Germany international.

“He has been playing for FC Bayern for over nine years and has been triple winner twice during this time,” Flick said.

“He’s a very important player. One cannot write off such a player.”

Boateng, who has been linked with a number of top European clubs, will be free to negotiate with other sides from next January.