Iran star Karimi could replace Ballack, says Magath

AFP - Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath admits Iranian international Ali Karimi could take over as the club's playmaker should Michael Ballack choose to leave the Allianz Arena.

German international captain Ballack is stalling on an extension to his contract, due to expire at the end of the season, and Magath said that, if required, he would look for a successor within the current squad.

"If Michael decides to leave it is my job to first take a look at what we have in our squad," Magath told Bild daily. "For example Ali Karimi is a possibility."

Asian Player of the Year Karimi, 26, joined Bayern from Al Ahli Dubai in the summer and has shone when asked to play in an attacking midfield role.

The Iranian international, dubbed the 'the Asian Maradona', signed a one-year contract at Bayern but the club have made it clear they will take out the option to renew it at the end of the campaign.