Bayern lure Hoffenheim goalkeeper Starke

Experienced goalkeeper Tom Starke is to join FC Bayern München from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim next month after agreeing terms on a deal that will tie him to the UEFA Champions League finalists until 2015.

The 31-year-old, who began his career with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, before making 91 Bundesliga appearances for Hamburger SV, MSV Duisburg and Hoffenheim, agreed a three-year deal that will keep him at Munich as cover for Germany international Manuel Neuer until 30 June 2015.

"We're delighted Tom Starke will be joining us for the new season," said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger. "He's an experienced Bundesliga professional who is calmness personified, and who perfectly fills the gap left by Jörg Butt's retirement. We're looking forward to Tom being here."

For Starke, the prospect of joining the four-time European club champions proved too great to resist. "I'm looking forward to the huge challenge at Bayern," he said. "I think it's fantastic to be competing for trophies again, and especially to be involved in the Champions League. Football is a team sport, and I'm a part of the team. I'll place myself completely at the team's disposal, which is very important, even as a No2 goalkeeper. I believe we can achieve a lot next season, and I'm looking forward to it."