Schalke strike a deal with Streit

FC Schalke 04 have made their first recruit for the 2008/09 season after signing midfielder Albert Streit for €1m from German rivals Eintracht Frankfurt.

Dangerous presence
The UEFA Champions League contenders – who are seventh in the Bundesliga – have agreed a four-year contract with the player, who will move to Gelsenkirchen at the end of the season. Coach Mirko Slomka said: "With his ability to cross the ball and deliver set-pieces, Albert Streit is one of the best providers in the Bundesliga. He is technically strong and can create a lot of pressure going forward."

Two passports
Streit, who was born in Bucharest and holds both German and Romanian passports, added: "Schalke are a top club with a super stadium and fantastic fans. Making a move to such a club is the next step in my career." Streit has played Bundesliga football for 1. FC Köln, VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring eleven times. Schalke are third in UEFA Champions League Group B, three points adrift of second-placed Rosenborg BK as they prepare to play Valencia CF away.