Madrid braced for Munich bid

Cape Town - Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has made signing Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso the last piece to his squad's puzzle. 

After sealing a deal to bring highly-rated Moroccon defender Mehdi Benatia to Germany, Pep Guardiola has set his sights on luring Xabi Alonso to the Bundesliga Champions.

The Guardian report that a £8 million deal is very close to be agreed between the two European giants.

Despite turning 33 in November, Munich have decided to fill Javi Martinez's spot with the talented Spanish midfielder.

Reports suggest Alonso, who retired from Spain duty on Wednesday, will earn €1 million a year less in Germany.

The Real Madrid board appear happy to let Alonso leave despite coach Carlo Ancelotti's plans to play him alongside new recruit Toni Kross. Alonso has since been left out of the starting lineup as the board would prefer Asier Illarramendi given more game time this season.

Alonso made a £30 million move to La Liga in 2009 from Liverpool.