Toni joins Roma on loan

Toni was expected to move on (GETTY IMAGES)

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has joined Roma on loan until the end of June.

The 32-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena after falling out with coach Louis van Gaal.

A statement on Bayern's official website www.fcbayern.de read: "In a discussion Luca Toni asked the board of Bayern Munich to loan him out to Roma until the end of the season for personal reasons.

"He wants, through regular games in Serie A, to still realise his main goal of taking part in the 2010 World Cup with the Italian national team."

The statement continued: "The board of Bayern thanks Luca Toni for the success, in particular the double in 2008, that the club has been able to celebrate with Luca and wish him all the best for his time at Roma, much success and above all that he takes part in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"Luca Toni has thanked Bayern for their success together and the great time and wished Bayern the German title in 2010 and a successful campaign in the DFB Pokal and the Champions League."

Toni, 32, joined Bayern from Fiorentina in 2007 and impressed in his first two seasons with the club.

He has started just three Bundesliga games this term, however, and was fined by the club in November for leaving the stadium at half-time in their 1-1 draw with Schalke after being substituted by Van Gaal.

Roma confirmed the switch would go through on January 2 provided Toni passes a medical, which he underwent yesterday.

A statement from the club read: "Roma and Bayern Munich advise they have reached agreement for the transfer, on a temporary basis and for free, of the rights of the player Luca Toni, from 2 January 2010 until 30 June 2010.

"Finalisation of the agreement depends on the player's medical tests and the signing of the contract between him and Roma."