Emir Spahic: Expected to stay put at Bayer Leverkusen, according to Jonas Boldt

Bayer Leverkusen director Jonas Boldt expects defender Emir Spahic to remain at the club next season, amid speculation surrounding his future.

The 33-year-old, who is currently captaining Bosnia at the World Cup, had been linked with an exit from the BayArena following the departure of former boss Sami Hyypia last season.

Spahic was a familiar figure in defence for Leverkusen during the previous campaign, featuring 33 times in all competitions, and Boldt says that he remains an important part of the squad with another year remaining on his current deal.

"Emir Spahic is under contract with our club and has played regularly for our first team this season," he told German newspaper Express.

"He is fully part of our plans for the new season. He will be back at our club, this is what we expect."