Dieter Hecking hopeful of keeping Ivica Olic

Wolfsburg head coach Dieter Hecking has refused to give up on the possibility of keeping Ivica Olic beyond the end of the current season.

Olic has been repeatedly linked with a move to Stoke City when his contract expires in the summer, but Wolfsburg remain hopeful of persuading the Croatian to extend his stay at the club.

"Ivica Olic is a very important player for the team," Hecking told Sky Deutschland.

"Me and [Wolfsburg general manager] Klaus Allofs have told him in a private conversation that I would be delighted if he signs a new deal with our club.

"Of course, I would be sympathetic if Ivi would look to find a new challenge. The decision will be up to him."

Olic revealed last month that he would be interested in a move to Stoke at the end of the season.