Van Buyten commits future to Bayern

Belgium defender Daniel Van Buyten has signed a new, extended contract with UEFA Champions League contenders FC Bayern München, as have starlets Thomas Müller and Holger Badstuber.

Van Buyten, who turns 32 on Sunday, has extended his expiring contract by two years until the summer of 2012. "We have a great squad and a great coach," said the centre-back from the club's training camp in Dubai. "For me, everything fits and I am happy here." Van Buyten has played in all 20 of Bayern's Bundesliga games this season, scoring five goals for Louis van Gaal's side.

Meanwhile, 20-year-olds Badstuber and Müller have also reiterated their commitment to the Bavarian outfit, with the former lengthening his deal by three years until 2014 and the latter adding two years to his contract, taking him through to 2013. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "They both came through the ranks and we always want to keep players like Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Müller and Badstuber."

Defender Badstuber and attacking midfielder Müller have been regulars this term for Bayern, the Bundesliga leaders. "We are delighted to have extended the contracts of three important players," added Rummenigge. Bayern, who face ACF Fiorentina in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, have several other players whose deals run out in the summer: Jörg Butt, Mark van Bommel, Hamit Altıntop, Michael Rensing and Andreas Görlitz.