Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has urged his former side to wrap up the signing of Roma defender Mehdi Benatia.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently in the market looking to bolster their defensive options following the news that defensive midfielder Javi Martinez will be out of action until the start of 2015 with a knee injury.
Hitzfeld told Sky90: “Benatia is the captain of Morocco’s national team and he has a lot of quality.
“In the end, it’s all about whether he can help Bayern forward. Bayern need quality and should act now.”
Serie A side Roma have already prepared for the eventuality that the Moroccan will leave the Stadio Olimpico as they have their £10,3m bid for Greek international Kostas Manolas accepted by Olympiakos and final talks are set to take place.
Bayern Munich will face competition to sign Benatia as Chelsea and Manchester United have been heavily linked with his signature all summer, although the threat from United has been lessened after they secured the deal for Marcos Rojo.
By Phil Wellbrook