The 58-year-old veteran is a major candidate to succeed Kobi Kuhn as Switzerland coach after Euro 2008, especially after he fell out with Bayern vice-chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

German daily Bild reported that the 'General' met with Swiss FA member Ernst Lammli, but the latter insists that the meeting was more like a friendly reunion.

"It’s true we have me, it was a talk between old friends about nothing specific," Lammli was quoted by Bild.

"We have known each other for 25 years. That is something completely different than talking to a complete stranger."

However, Lammli stated that the Swiss FA are eagerly anticipating Hitzfeld's final word after Bayern's winter break finishes at the end of January.

"Ottmar wants to talk to Bayern in January, and we naturally respect that, After that we will hear something from him," he added.

Hitzfeld, whose contract with Bayern runs out next summer, led the Bavarians to the UEFA Champions League and Bundesliga titles in 2001.