Bayern close on Dos Santos

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich could be on the verge of signing Julio Dos Santos.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich could be on the verge of signing Paraguayan youngster Julio Dos Santos, according to reports from South America.

TV programme SNT claims that general manager Uli Hoeness, who has flown to Paraguay, had told them that a deal for the offensive midfielder could be struck very soon.

The 22-year-old Cerro Porteno star, who can line up in midfield but is also able to play up front, is also a target for Primera outfit Cadiz, but Bayern look set to financially outmuscle the Spanish minnows.

Cadiz thought they had agreed a deal with Cerro Porteno whereby they would purchase 50 percent of the player's rights.

However, the Paraguayan club are now only willing to consider a deal if interested parties buy the youngster outright, something Cadiz are refusing to contemplate because of its economic ramifications, but a move well within the means of Bayern.

The Bavarians regard Dos Santos as a potential candidate to succeed playmaker Michael Ballack, if the German skipper should leave the Allianz-Arena next summer.

If Dos Santos should join Bayern, he would team up with his famous compatriot Roque Santa Cruz.