Bayern Munich complete the signing of Mehdi Benatia from Roma

• Moroccan defender moves for undisclosed fee
• Bayern confirm 27-year-old will now travel for a medical

German champions Bayern Munich have won the race to sign highly-rated defender Mehdi Benatia from Roma.

The 27-year-old Morocco international had reportedly been a target for Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City earlier in the transfer window, but has now agreed on a move to Munich after excelling at the Stadio Olimpico to help Roma finish second in Serie A last season.

The Bundesliga giants Bayern have now secured his services for the next five years.

A statement published on the club’s official website read: “On Tuesday afternoon the German champions reached an agreement with Roma over the transfer of Mehdi Benatia. Both clubs have agreed not to disclose the transfer fee.

“Benatia will come to Munich in the next few days to undergo a medical. The central defender will then sign a five-year contract.”



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Bayern Munich close to £8m deal for Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso

• Pep Guardiola turns to Alonso after losing Toni Kroos
• Alonso pushed out by new arrivals at Real
• Alonso retires from international football

Xabi Alonso was on the verge of joining the German champions, Bayern Munich, on a two-deal worth around £8m (€10m) on Wednesday night.

Bayern’s manager, Pep Guardiola, turned his attention to Alonso after the departure of Toni Kroos and the knee-ligament injury suffered by Javi Martínez. Alonso had two years left to run on his deal at Real Madrid and he turns 33 in November. His salary in Germany will be about €1m less than he was earning at Madrid.

Throughout last season Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, insisted repeatedly on Alonso’s importance for the side. He missed the Champions League final through suspension after picking up a booking in the semi-final. In his absence, Madrid rarely functioned with the same fluidity. Yet, at boardroom level, the approach from Bayern Munich was welcomed.

The arrival of Kroos brought competition for Alonso, even if Ancelotti at first appeared likely to play the two together. But as discussions continued, Alonso did not play for Madrid in their opening league game of the season against Cordoba on Monday. Alonso was one of four deep-lying central midfielders along with Kroos, Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira, while the arrival of James Rodríguez increased the number of midfielders further, nudging him closer to a departure.



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Liverpool and Bayern Munich target Dele Alli dances to his own tune at MK Dons

Dele Alli, the MK Dons teenager being chased by Liverpool and Bayern Munich, so loves playing football that as kick-off approaches he often dances in the dressing-room to Drake and DJ Rusky – or Ed Sheeran if the older players complain about his choice of music.

Alli’s footwork on the field has been earning him strong reviews this season, particularly in MK’s League Cup thrashing of Manchester United and also for England Under-19s in their recent draw with Germany. His development was rewarded today with a new contract at MK until 2017. The 18-year-old midfielder is proof that English football can nurture promising footballers, particularly when they are fostered by conscientious managers such as Karl Robinson and given a run of games.

MK’s 4-0 humiliation of United brought even more focus on Alli; most Premier League clubs, and some Bundesliga, had representatives scouting him again that night. “Before games, the gaffer will sit me down, tell me I’m being watched, and make sure I’m not getting carried away.’’ Liverpool’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, has been watching him closely. “I’ve heard he has,’’ said Alli. “It’s not something I really worry about.

“Gerrard was a big reason I began supporting Liverpool. I liked Chelsea as well because of Lampard. I wasn’t as much a fan when I was living with my mum. But I moved in with this new family and they were Liverpool fans. It made sense with me to stick with Liverpool. I remember Istanbul, the FA Cup final, and the game against Olympiakos: Gerrard just scoring amazing goals.

"I love watching Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta and Xavi with the way they move.” Alli continues to work, continues to be unfazed when the first whistle blows.





Telegraph