BERLIN: Bayern Munich's hopes of renewed success in Europe received a boost on Monday when they clinched the purchase of Dutch international striker Roy Makaay.

The German champions said they had reached agreement with Makaay's club Deportivo Coruna. Last season's Spanish first division top scorer with 29 goals will now sign a four-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee.

The Bavarians said in a statement the 28-year-old would have a medical on Tuesday and could make his debut in a Bundesliga game at Hanover 96 on Saturday.

Bayern had been chasing the Dutchman for weeks but were fighting with his Spanish club over the transfer fee.

Bayern's commercial manager Uli Hoeness said last weekend that Makaay had agreed to join the four-times European champions but Deportivo were asking for 20 million euros (US$22.61 million) while Bayern were prepared to pay 16 million.

The Munich club, who completed their fourth domestic league and Cup double last season, were looking for a top striker to make up for their shock first-stage exit from the Champions League last year.

Bayern launched the defence of their German title with a 3-1 home victory over promoted Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

Former Bayern and Germany great Franz Beckenbauer, now the club's supervisory board chairman, had earlier weighed in by saying the Germans should accept Deportivo's conditions.

"I am certain that we need a third top striker alongside Elber and (Claudio) Pizarro for a long season," said Beckenbauer.

Hundreds of Bayern fans had also sent e-mails to the club to say Makaay was definitely worth having even if it meant a financial effort.

The deal means Bayern will be able to field him from the start of their Champions League campaign.

Agencies via Xinhua

(China Daily 08/06/2003 page8)