Bayern set to sign Luiz Gustavo from Hoffenheim

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Bayern Munich are poised to boost their defence by signing Brazilian Luiz Gustavo from Bundesliga rivals Hoffenheim.

"The terms of the deal bringing the 23-year-old to the Saebener Strasse have been agreed between the Bayern board and the south-western outfit," the champions said on their website (www.fcbayern.t-home.de) on Saturday.

"Provided there is no last-minute hitch the Brazilian will sign a four-and-a-half year deal keeping him in Munich until 2015," said the Bavarians before adding the player would undergo a medical on Sunday.

Luiz Gustavo, who has never played for his country, can feature at left back, centre back or in a defensive midfield position and has performed impressively since joining Hoffenheim in 2007 from Corinthians-Maceio.

Bayern are fifth in the Bundesliga, which has reached the halfway mark and is on a winter break, with 29 points from 17 games, 14 behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

They have reached the quarter-finals of the German Cup and will also meet holders Inter Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.