Felix Kroos, the younger brother of Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder Toni Kroos, has joined UEFA Champions League play-off contenders SV Werder Bremen.

The 19-year-old forward has signed a three-year contract, having left FC Hansa Rostock following their relegation from the second division. "I needed something new to further my development," he explained. "There are several top-class stars at Werder who will help me develop as a player when I train with them, and I'm very excited about being given the chance to play for a club like this."

Werder chairman Klaus Allofs added of the Germany Under-19 international: "Felix Kroos is a very talented player. We've been monitoring his progress intensively over the last few years and are pleased that the transfer has now been completed. After a difficult season with Hansa Rostock, this is the right step for him to take." Werder finished third in the Bundesliga to earn a return to the UEFA Champions League.