Bremen bring in prolific Zidan

German champions Werder Bremen have won the race to sign Egyptian striker Mohamed Zidan from FC Midtjylland.

Loan deal
A number of top European clubs were interested in the 23-year-old forward but he was confirmed as a Bremen player after passing a medical this afternoon. The Bundesliga club have signed Zidan on a loan deal until the end of the season with an option for a permanent transfer.

'Goalscoring qualities'
Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs said: "Mohamed Zidan is a highly interesting type of player, and with his goalscoring qualities and his technical skills he will improve our attack." Zidan scored 42 goals in 98 Superliga appearances for first Akademisk Boldklub and then Midtjylland - including five goals for Midtjylland against AB in March.

Ready to work
Zidan will replace Angelos Charisteas who joined AFC Ajax just before Christmas and is set to link up with the Bremen squad at their Turkish training camp in Belek on Sunday. "I am determined to make my mark here," he said of the transfer. "I intend to work for it every day and I see some very good opportunities here."

Lyon tie
As Midtylland did not compete in Europe this season, Zidan is eligible to be registered to play in Bremen's UEFA Champions League campaign, which continues on 23 February with the home leg of their last 16 tie with French title-holders Olympique Lyonnais.