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Italian star Toni signs for Bayern
MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich have signed Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni from AC Fiorentina in a deal worth 18 million euros, it was reported on Saturday.
The 29-year-old striker, who has scored 12 goals in 27 internationals, has signed a five-contract and will reportedly earn 5.5 million euros per season according to German magazine Sport-Bild.
The forward is believed to have made his decision on Friday evening and chosen the German giants over European rivals AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan, who were also bidding for his signature.
Having been part of Italy's 2006 World Cup squad, Toni scored two goals in the quarter-finals win over the Ukraine and scored both goals in Italy's 2-0 victory against Scotland in last month's Euro 2008 qualifier.
Fourth-placed Bayern are also courting German international Miroslav Klose, from their Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen, and last week met with the 67-times capped striker, who has scored 33 goals for his country.
After Bayern Munich were beaten 2-1 at home to Hamburg on Saturday, manager Uli Hoeness refused to confirm or deny the story.
"We will be in a position to finalise our squad in the next three or four weeks, but I will not comment on names at present," he said.
Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld did not want to confirm the signing and only said, "we do not comment on speculation and will only comment if a deal is done."
With Fiorentina still involved in the battle for a place in Europe next season, Toni's agent, Tullio Tinti, was keen to play down the report.
"The news of an agreement between Toni and Bayern is without any substance," he told Italian news agency ANSA in Rome.
"No decision will be taken before the end of the season, when representatives from both clubs can meet."
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