Hertzsch ends Leverkusen spell

Relegation clause
The 26-year-old defender, who won the last of his two caps in August 2002, only arrived at Leverkusen in the summer on a free transfer from Hamburger SV, but found it hard to claim a regular place. His contract with Frankfurt will run until 2005, provided they escape relegation this season.

'Necessary experience'
"Ingo Hertzsch is exactly the player we were looking for. He has got a lot of experience and can lead the team from the back," said chairman Heribert Bruchhagen.

About Schmidt
Another lowly Bundesliga side, Hertha BSC Berlin, will be without midfield player Andreas Schmidt for eight weeks. The 30-year-old sustained a crack to his ankle on the final day of Hertha's training camp in Spain.

Glibo statement
Meanwhile, 1. FC Kaiserslautern coach Eric Gerets has handed a professional contract to 21-year-old defender Kristjan Glibo after he forced his way into the first-team picture for two matches before the winter break. The agreement runs until the end of the season. "He now has the chance to confirm the excellent impression he has made," Gerets said.

Lille loan
Tottenham Hotspur FC's Slovenian international midfield player Milenko Acimovic has joined Lille OSC on loan until the end of the season. "Acimovic has signed the contract and will play at Lille until 30 June," the Ligue 1 club said on its official website. The 26-year-old, who has won 37 caps for his country, has not started an English Premiership game this season.

Weir waylaid
Elsewhere in England, Scotland and Everton FC defender David Weir could be sidelined until the beginning of April with knee ligament damage.  The 33-year-old suffered the injury in a midweek reserve match and x-rays revealed serious damage to medial ligaments in the same knee he injured earlier this season. "He faces a lengthy lay-off," said Everton physiotherapist Mick Rathbone. "He'll be out for at least a couple of months."

Ketting deal
Dutch Eredivisie side FC Volendam have signed striker Jeroen Ketting from first division Haarlem FC on a two-year contract. The 23-year-old will join Volendam on 1 July 2004, when his existing deal with Haarlem expires.

Ligament injury
Still in the Netherlands, SC Heerenveen defender Ronny Venema will be missing for up to six weeks. The 29-year-old defender damaged a ligament in his left knee while training with the club in Malta.

Alkmaar extension
There is better news for high-flying AZ Alkmaar, who have extended midfield player Barry van Galen's contract until summer 2005. The 33-year-old has scored 40 goals in 184 league games for AZ, and has decided to prolong his career because of the club's renaissance under coach Co Adriaanse.

'Still enjoying myself'
"We are third in the Eredivisie and I am really enjoying playing," Van Galen said. "If we were 14th I would have retired." AZ have also announced that they will not be offering new deals to Peter Wijker, Alair Cruz Vicente, Jamal Dibi, Canigia and Hans van der Woude.

Almeida on the move
FC Zwolle have signed FC Porto defender Mauro Almeida. The 21-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2006, having had a trial with the Dutch side earlier in the season.

Dosek departure
FC Slovan Liberec, sixth in the Czech league at the winter break, have reinforced their squad with the signing of striker Libor Dosek from 1. FC Brno. The 25-year-old, who hit seven goals in the first half of the campaign, has agreed a three-year contract and joined for a reported fee of €600,000.

Lejsal arrival
Liberec have also taken goalkeeper Martin Lejsal on loan from Italian side Reggina Calcio. The Czech Under-21 international will replace Antonín Kinský, who has moved to Russian side FC Saturn Ramenskoye.