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Kroos confirms 'dream' Real move close

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has confirmed he is close to securing a "dream" move to Real Madrid following Germany's World Cup triumph.

Kroos, who appeared to be on the verge of a switch to Manchester United earlier this summer, revealed after Germany's 1-0 victory against Argentina in Sunday's final that he is set to join the Champions League winners.

Toni Kroos clutches his World Cup winner's medal © Getty Images

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"That was the best way to end the World Cup. I will now join Real Madrid. That's two dreams achieved," Kroos was quoted as saying in the Spanish media.

Kroos, who became the first player born in East Germany to lift the World Cup, is under contract at Bayern until 2015 with the Bundesliga champions appearing to accept they must cash in now or risk losing him on a free next summer.

United had been confident of a deal for long-time target Kroos in May before the appointment of new manager Louis van Gaal, who ended their chase of the midfielder.

Kroos later said he never had any intention of joining United, before speculation linked him with a switch to Real throughout his time in Brazil.

German tabloid Bild reported that Kroos could be unveiled at the Bernabeu on Thursday, while the player's agent, Volker Struth, said: "We will make an announcement within the next 48 hours."

"We are now waiting for an official reaction from Toni or his management. We can only comment on it after that," a Bayern Munich spokesman said.

Earlier this month, reports in the Spanish media had all but confirmed the transfer, with Real believed to be spending some €25 million (£19.9m) on Kroos, who scored two goals and set up another four during Germany's run to World Cup glory.

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