The Germany winger, who runs out of contract in June 2009, will be rewarded with a contract extension by the Bundesliga champions.

"Bastian has been exceptionally well, he is fit and lively. We will open talks of a new contract with him in the autumn," vice-chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Bayern will make their Champions League return on Wednesday, when they visit Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest.

But Rummenigge believes that English clubs are superior over the rest of their European rivals at the moment.

"The English are ahead of the rest of Europe. The Bundesliga is a long way behind clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal," he added.

"When you look at the potential they have it will be a surprise if the English don't dominate as they did last year."