Dutt to replace coach Heynckes at Leverkusen

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Bayer Leverkusen coach Jupp Heynckes will leave at the end of the season and will be replaced by Freiburg coach Robin Dutt, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.

Heynckes has not dismissed widespread media speculation he could be moving to Bayern Munich to replace Louis van Gaal, who is also leaving at the end of this campaign.

"Leverkusen is a well managed club with a great team and it was difficult taking this decision," Heynckes said in a statement.

"I will do everything so we finish second in the league and qualify directly for the Champions League."

Dutt has signed a two-year contract at Leverkusen, who are in second place, seven points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund and five ahead of third-paced Hanover 96 with seven games left.

"Robin Dutt was always going to be our first choice to succeed Heynckes whether in 2011 or 2012," said Leverkusen sports director Rudi Voeller.

Dutt, 46, steered Freiburg to promotion to the Bundesliga two years ago and they are currently in eighth place.