Rafinha hoping for new Bayern Munich deal

Bayern Munich defender Rafinha is hopeful that he will be offered a new long-term contract by the German and European champions.

The Brazilian, whose current deal expires in the summer, has been with Bayern since 2011, but he struggled for regular football last season.

However, he has impressed in the early part of this campaign with established right-back Philipp Lahm moving into a central midfield role under coach Pep Guardiola.

"Of course, I am delighted to be a Bayern Munich player," Rafinha told kicker-Sportmagazin.

"Bayern Munich is the best club in the world, playing for this club is truly a dream come true. I would be very happy to be able to stay on at the club beyond the end of the season."

A number of European clubs are believed to be monitoring proceedings.