Bayern Munich are determined to secure the long-term future of manager Pep Guardiola at the Bundesliga club.

The former Barcelona boss has been in charge of Bayern since January 2013 and his current contract expires in June 2016.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been singing the praises of the 44-year-old Spaniard and wants to keep him at the Allianz Arena for as long as possible.

“I have total confidence in the man,” Rummenigge said. “My opinion of him is well known, I hope he stays at Bayern for as long as possible. He still has one-and-a-half years on his contract and that is like light years for him.”

Guardiola was the hottest property in management after a trophy-laden four-year spell in charge at the Nou Camp.

He landed 14 major honours before quitting the Spanish giants at the end of the 2011-12 season. Guardiola then elected to take a year’s sabbatical from the game before joining the German giants.

In his first season in charge Guardiola steered Bayern to a league and cup double.

Currently on their mid-season break, Bayern are unbeaten in the league this season and have already pulled 11 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg.

The pair clash next Friday when the Bundesliga resumes and Bayern are 1.47 to emerge victorious at the Volkswagen Arena. Wolfsburg are 6.34 with the draw at 4.31.

Guardiola will also have his sights on a third Champions League crown following victories with Barca in 2009 and 2011.

Bayern are favourites for this season’s competition at 3.60.