Bayern recruitment drive starts with France defender Pavard

[January 09, 2019]  BERLIN, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich have reached an agreement to sign French defender Benjamin Pavard, who will join the German champions on a five-year deal from next season, the Bavarian club's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Bundesliga rivals VfB Stuttgart and was involved in France's 2018 World Cup final victory over Croatia in Russia, a tournament where he also scored a stunning goal in the Round of 16 win over Argentina.

"I can announce that we managed to get the services of Benjamin Pavard from July 1, 2019," Salihamidzic told reporters during a Bayern training camp in Qatar, without giving any financial details of the transfer.

"He signed a five-year contract.

"He can be deployed in various positions. He can play on the right. He is a young player, a world champions and we are happy to have signed him."

Salihamidzic also confirmed Bayern's interest in Chelsea teenage forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, as they look to boost their frontline following the expected departure of veteran wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at the end of the season.

"He is a very interesting player whom we really want to sign," Salihamidzic added of the 18-year-old. "He has qualities that fit into our game. He can dribble well and has a drive towards goal. He has a lot of potential."

The season resumes next week after the annual winter break with Bayern, who have won the last six league titles, in second place, six points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund after a dip in form following a strong start to the season.

The Bavarians also face Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16 next month. (Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by John O'Brien)

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