Bayern Munich are close to signing Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia from AS Roma for 26 million euros, Italian reports said on Tuesday. Sky Sport Italia said the Bavarians will pay further 4 million euros dependent on bonuses as they seek to sign a new defender after versatile midfielder Javi Martinez, who can also play as a centre back, suffered a knee injury that will rule him out of action for several months. Benatia has been one of Roma's most consistent performers since joining from Udinese in the summer of 2013. The 27-year-old caught the eyes with some solid displays at the heart of Roma's defence as they finished as runners up in the Italian Serie A last season. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/109282.aspx