Bayern are searching for a replacement for Jurgen Klinsmann and Beckenbauer feels Dutchman Van Gaal, who has won the Eredivisie with AZ this season, is an excellent coach.

"He's proved that often enough, with the Dutch national team, with Barcelona, with Ajax," Beckenbauer told DSF sports television channel.

Beckenbauer revealed Bayern have drawn up a shortlist of possible appointments.

He added: "We went through a list of coaches at the start of the week. We cut it down quite quickly and now we'll make contact. We'll see what comes out of it in the next few weeks."

Jupp Heynckes has been put in charge of the German champions until the end of the season.