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Sparta sign Stajner

Czech Republic international midfielder Jiri Stajner has left Bundesliga side Hannover 96 and returned to his native country with Sparta Prague.

Stajner, who has failed to hold down a regular place at Hannover, has opted to take a loan move to Sparta.

Hannover spent a club-record of almost ‚é¼5 million on the gifted winger in 2002, but the 27-year-old was homesick most of the time and after failing to hold down a regular place in Ralf Rangnick's team, he was glad to jump at the chance of a move to Sparta.

The move comes as something of a surprise as Hannover continually stated throughout January that Stajner would not be moved on.

A solid showing for Sparta in the second half of the season will surely book Stajner's place in Karel Bruckner's Euro 2004 squad.

Sparta, who are currently second in the Czech First Division, are keen to strengthen their side for the UEFA Champions League where they face holders Milan.

Stajner's departure ends a busy winter transfer period for Hannover who also parted company with Croatian Danijel Stefulj, but signed Portuguese defender Abel Xavier, midfielders Vladimir But and Jaime, Bosnian forward Stanko Svitlica and USA striker Clint Mathis.