Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes James Rodriguez will remain with Niko Kovac's side next season, rather than returning to parent club Real Madrid when his two-year loan spell comes to an end this summer.

James joined Bayern from the Spanish giants in July 2017 and has been an instant hit at the Allianz Arena, contributing 10 goals and 15 assists in 38 Bundesliga outings to date.

The 27-year-old has been instrumental in Bayern's pursuit of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, starting their last five straight league games and providing three assists as the reigning champions have pulled level on points at the top.

Watch: How James pulls the strings for Bayern

All of which has persuaded Rummenigge that the Colombia international's future lies squarely in Bavaria. "I'm a fan of James'," the 63-year-old told AZ. "He's got an unbelievably good left foot and is a world-class star in my opinion. The option we have [to make his loan a permanent transfer] has to be exercised by 15 June, so we still have plenty of time.

"But I have to say, everyone here is happy with him. I assume that James will be at Bayern next season. I'm sure Niko Kovac has a similar view of James' quality and that he's very happy with him. I don't think the two of them have had a problem."

Bayern president Uli Hoeneß recently said that the final decision rests with Kovac and if the coach's comments after Bayern's DFB Cup last-16 victory over Hertha Berlin are anything to go by, the matter would appear to be settled: "I've always said that James Rodriguez is an extraordinary player. We needed to ease him in somewhat after his injury, but when he's fit he plays like he did against Hertha: brilliantly! And that's the best argument for selecting him."

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