Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich?

Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo has said that according to Radio Marca, Bayern Munich are interested in Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and will look to conclude a deal before the window closes this weekend.

The transfer would make a great deal of sense for the German champions as they have not properly replaced Toni Kroos, who went to Real Madrid, and in addition have lost Javi Martínez to an ACL injury that will sideline him for the rest of the year. There are also doubts on whether Pierre Højbjerg (19) and Gianluca Gaudino (17) are ready to step up at the top level and provide cover. New arrival Sebastian Rode has impressed so far in his appearances, despite concerns from fans that he's not of a good enough standard for Bayern.

At 32 years old Xabi Alonso is very much at the tail end of his career and could end his playing career by winning the UEFA Champions League with a third team. The Spaniard has an embarrassment of riches behind him with two UEFA Champions League titles (Liverpool and Real Madrid), two UEFA Super Cups, two Copa Del Rey, a FA Cup, Community Shield, La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup. Not to forget his impressive haul with the Spanish national team as well, which consists of one World Cup and two European Championships.

It was also today that Alonso announced his international retirement. Not having national team involvement anymore will mean he can focus purely on prolonging his club career, wherever that may be.

“I announce my retirement from international football. It's been an enormous honour for 11 great years. Sincere thanks to everyone involved.” – Xabi Alonso via Twitter.

Xabi Alonso would bring in a tonne of international experience and would fit perfectly into Guardiola’s style. He would find himself surrounded by familiar faces with the Spanish contingent at Bayern of Javi Martínez, Thiago Alcantara, Juan Bernat and Pepe Reina. The real issues would come down to whether Real Madrid would be interested in selling a player who has made over 230 appearances for the club and only recently signed a new deal. In January this year Alonso extended his deal until 2016 after it was due to run out in the summer. Although, with the amount of talent that Real Madrid have in the midfield and considering his age, a transfer fee could be rather reasonably priced. The main stumbling block however, will be his wages. Alonso is rumoured to be on around €120k per week at Real Madrid after he demanded an increase in January. While Bayern could match this, the refusal to meet Toni Kroos’ wage demands is what led him to being sold this summer. If Alonso could lower his demands, then a possible move to Bayern Munich could be on the cards. All that aside, if Real Madrid allow for negotiations you can guarantee other clubs will be interested.