Martinez nears move to Munich

Javi Martinez is reportedly on his way to Bayern Munich with the German club set to pay 40 million euros for the Spanish midfielder.

Martinez, who has made his name as a defensive midfielder and central defender for Athletic Bilbao, has been linked with a move to Munich throughout the European pre-season.

Bayern’s sporting director Matthias Sammer labelled the buy-out clause in Martinez’s contract as ‘crazy’ money earlier this month but it now seems the Munich-based club will provide the cash required.

The Martinez transfer would break the German record with the 23-year-old apparently so keen for the deal to be finalised that he will give up two million euros of his annual salary to make it happen.

Bayern have already added Claudio Pizarro, Mario Mandzukic and Xherdan Shaqiri to their ranks this off-season, as they look to win their first Bundesliga title in three seasons after recent dominance by Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern were also hoping to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender during the pre-season, only for both player and club to knock back offers.