Bundesliga: Bayern Munich snag Guardiola

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German giants Bayern Munich won the battle to secure the most sought after coach in football when former Barcelona handler Pep Guardiola agreed to take over as head coach for the 2013/14 season.

The 41-year-old Spaniard - who last week said he was ready to return to coaching after a brief sabbatical since stepping down from the Barcelona hotseat at the end of last season - signed a three year contract.

Guardiola, who twice guided Barcelona to the Champions League title, will replace current Munich boss Jupp Heynckes, whose contract expires in June, just after his 68th birthday.

Bayern, who have not won any silverware in the past two seasons, have pulled off a major coup as Guardiola had been linked with jobs in England with both Chelsea and Manchester City being mentioned.

Bayern, who have won a record 22 German league titles as well as four Champions League trophies, made no secret of their delight at beating off high-profile rivals for his signature.

"We are very pleased that we have succeeded in securing the signature of Pep Guardiola, who was being courted by many clubs," enthused chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are sure he will lend plenty of glamour, not just to Bayern, but also to German football.

"We look forward to working with him from July 2013."