Schalke sign Hannover's Sane for next season

BERLIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Hannover's Salif Sane will leave the club at the end of the season to join rivals Schalke, both Bundesliga clubs confirmed on Thursday.

The "Royal Blues" have reinforced their defence for the upcoming season as defender Sane has signed a four-year deal, which will keep him with Schalke until June 2022.

"With Salif Sane we were able to snap up a versatile defensive player who knows the Bundesliga. We are delighted that he opted for Schalke," sporting director Christian Heidel said.

The Senegal international joined Hannover in the summer 2013 to become a key player in their defence. He made since his arrival 123 Bundesliga appearances and provided three assists and eleven goals.

"I am very happy to be part of Schalke as of summer. However, until then, my full focus will remain on Hannover and the remaining games," Sane told Schalke's official homepage.

Sane is after Hoffenheim's striker Mark Uth, Schalke's second summer signing. Domenico Tedesco's men sit currently on the 2nd place of the standings. They face local rival Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Enditem