Werder Bremen have signed talented winger Mesut Ozil from Bundesliga rivals Schalke for a reported fee of around five million euros.

Ozil, a 19-year-old Germany Under-21 international, has agreed a contract running to June 2011.

He is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Germany but he fell out of favour at Schalke after a disagreement with the club over a new contract.

The move, finalised hours before the closure of the transfer window, is a blessing for Werder coach Thomas Schaaf after the club sold Leon Andreasen to Fulham and let Carlos Alberto join Sao Paulo on loan.

Werder trail leaders Bayern Munich on goal difference going into the second half of the season.

Reuters