by Associated Press Roma firms up its worrisome defense with Manolas Associated Press - 26 August 2014 14:40-04:00 ROME (AP) — Greece international Kostas Manolas has joined Roma on a €13 million ($17 million) transfer from Olympiakos, as coach Rudi Garcia looks to strengthen his worrisome defense before Serie A starts this weekend. Roma said Tuesday it had signed the center back to a five-year contract. Manolas is an immediate replacement for Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia, whom Roma sold to Bayern Munich in a deal reported at €26 million ($34 million), also on Tuesday. Roma has conceded 11 goals in nine preseason friendlies and Garcia had recently expressed concern entering the final week of the transfer market. Manolas is coming off a solid season with Olympiakos and also stood out for Greece at the World Cup. The transfer fee could reach €15 million (nearly $20 million) with bonuses. News Topics: Sports, Soccer, Men's soccer, Men's sports, Professional soccer, International soccer People, Places and Companies: Rudi Garcia, Mehdi Benatia, Italy, Western Europe, Europe Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.