Bremen hand chance to Niemeyer

'Talented' performer
Niemeyer, a 23-year-old former German Under-21 international, has been a regular for Dutch club Twente over the past three and a half seasons, having made his breakthrough in 2002/03. He has agreed a contract with Bremen until 2011. The Bundesliga side's sporting director Klaus Allofs said: "Peter Niemeyer is yet another talented German player who we have been able to sign. He looks very lively and has everything he needs to succeed. It will be interesting to see how he develops."

Loan success
The 25-year-old Zidan enjoyed a productive loan spell at Mainz last term, scoring nine goals in 26 games to help them avoid relegation. The Egypt striker has featured in just five Bundesliga matches for Bremen this season, scoring one goal, and made a brief substitute's appearance in the UEFA Champions League, so will relish a return to Mainz. He has cost a reported €2.5m and has been given a deal until summer 2010.

High praise
"Zidan has outstanding qualities but unfortunately was not able to show them at Bremen on a regular basis," Allofs said. "We reached an agreement that it would be best for him to make the switch." While Mainz are again fighting the drop, Bundesliga leaders Bremen are preparing for a UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie against AFC Ajax next month.