“You can say that. Now the path is clear to talk to him. I know him. Hansi would be an excellent national coach,” Bierhoff told a Bild newspaper podcast on Tuesday.

Bierhoff added it was “good that things don’t drag on,” and said he hoped Germany’s next coach was decided before Loew leads the team into his farewell European Championships from June 11.

“Now I have the information that we can talk to Hansi,” said Bierhoff. “Firstly of all I am pleased this option is there.”

Flick, a former assistant to Loew with the Germany, asked to be released early from his contract with Bayern Munich, a wish which was granted by the German record champions last week when they confirmed RB Leipzig’s Julian Nagelsmann as their new boss.

Loew will step down as Germany boss after the delayed Euro 2020 in summer concludes his 15-year reign which included the World Cup triumph of 2014.