Bayer 04 Leverkusen have bolstered their defence for the 2012/13 campaign by securing a pre-contract agreement with 1. FC Nürnberg for the services of centre-back Philipp Wollscheid.

The 22-year-old, who moved to Nurnberg from 1. FC Saarbrücken in 2009, will join Leverkusen next summer on a five-year deal. "We are convinced we have signed one of the most talented central defenders in Germany," said Bayer general manager Wolfgang Holzhäuser.

"We are pleased to have signed a jewel like Philipp. I am confident he will continue his impressive development at Leverkusen. We have a good history of announcing transfers early with Stefan Kiessling and André Schürrle." No fee has been disclosed.

Leverkusen booked a UEFA Champions League round of 16 berth with a 2-1 win against Chelsea FC on Wednesday. They will be guaranteed to finish top of Group E with victory at bottom-placed KRC Genk on 6 December.