The Bavarians' head coach has admitted that he is a admirer of the versatile midfielder, but Bayer Leverkusen are hopeful of holding on to him

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is a keen admirer of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Gonzalo Castro amid reports that the Bundesliga champions are interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Castro's contract with Leverkusen is due to expire in the summer of 2016 and Bayern are believed to be keeping a close eye on the Germany international's situation at the BayArena.

"I am not thinking about next season yet and about which players will be here then. We have not spoken about it for now," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Bild.

"But Castro is obviously a great player. He has been doing very well in a number of positions."

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, meanwhile, has made it clear that they are ready to open talks with Castro over a prolonged stay, although he has admitted they could struggle to hold on to the midfielder.

"We will sit down in the next few weeks to discuss his future," Voller told TZ.

"We always seem to lose our best players, but that's simply the way it is. Big transfer fees allow us to sign new players."

Castro, who came through the club's youth academy, has made over 350 appearances in all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen since breaking into the first team in 2004-05.