TRANSFER - MOROCCO - Bayern Munich sign Roma defender Mehdi Benatia

BAYERN MUNICH

German champions Bayern Munich have signed Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia from Roma for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who helped Roma finish second in Serie A last season, had been linked with a move to Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United.

Bayern were looking for a defender after Spain international Javi Martinez was ruled out until the New Year with ruptured cruciate knee ligaments.

Roma have replaced Benatia with Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas.