Xabi Alonso to join Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Xabi Alonso over the Real Madrid midfielder's proposed move to the Bundesliga champions.

Alonso, 32, is expected to have a medical on Thursday with the German club, who anticipate reaching an agreement with the European champions over a transfer "in the next two days."

The former Real Sociedad and Liverpool midfielder is set to become Bayern's second major signing of the week, following the arrival of defender Medhi Benatia from Roma.

During Benatia's official presentation as a Bayern player on Thursday, his new club confirmed widespread reports of the proposed signing of the highly decorated Alonso, who retired from international football on Wednesday.

"We are in talks with Xabi Alonso and Real," finance executive Jan-Christian Dreesen told the news conference in Munich. "We've reached a principal agreement with the player, and want to reach an agreement with the club in the next two days.

"He will travel to Munich to undergo his medical today."

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW IS HERE

Liverpool will face European champions Real Madrid in Champions League Group B.Brendan Rodgers' side, making their return to the competition for the first time since 2009-10, have been handed the chance to test themselves against Carlo Ancelotti's men as well as Swiss side Basel and Bulgaria's Ludogorets.

Bayern Munich, Manchester City and CSKA Moscow have been reunited in Group E, and are joined by Roma.

Bayern and City had emerged comfortably last season, when Viktoria Plzen had been the fourth seeds.

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund will also get another chance to go head to head in Group D, having both progressed in the 2012-13 competition despite the efforts of Napoli. They are joined by Turkish giants Galatasaray and Belgian side Anderlecht.

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain will both be looking to secure top spot in a competitive Group F after being drawn alongside Ajax and APOEL.

Last season's runners-up, Atletico Madrid, will take on Juventus, Olympiakos and Malmo in Group A, while Chelsea have been drawn against Schalke, Sporting and Maribor in Group G.

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