Loew announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down after the European Championship in July.

“It would be a commitment from me to football,” the 1990 World Cup winner told Sky. “I will listen (to any offer).”

But the 59-year-old, who has 150 caps, qualified that he did not necessarily need the job.

Matthaeus has gained experience as coach of Hungary and Bulgaria.

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, assistant to Loew when winning the 2014 World Cup, was again coy when asked about the job.

“I’ve already said everything. I have a contract until 2023 (at Bayern) and I don’t need to say anything more.”

Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp has already ruled himself out of the running and Julian Nagelsmann says he is busy planning next season with RB Leipzig.

His predecessor at Leipzig, Ralf Rangnick, is seen as one of the favourites for the job given he is available although reports say Schalke are interested in him as sporting director.