BREMEN, Aug 8 (SW) – Werder Bremen are looking to complete the signing of promising German centre back Per Mertesacker, but will have to work hard to do so.

A sticking point in their negotiations with Mertesacker’s current club Hannover is the insistence that Frank Fahrenhorst is included in the deal.

However, Fahrenhorst is opposed to the move and wishes to remain with Bremen, causing complications to the already delicate proposal.

"In principle, we have reached agreement with Hannover but if we don't swap the player, we have to see what else we can do to make the transfer happen and one option would be to pay more money," explained Werder director of sport Klaus Allofs.

At present Werder are offering £3.5 million plus Fahrenhorst, but will have to revise that to at least £5 million to get their man.