Papastathopoulos set for stay

Werder Bremen have confirmed they are to take up their option to sign Sokratis Papastathopoulos on a permanent basis.

Defender expected to sign permanent deal at Weserstadion

Werder Bremen have confirmed they are to take up their option to sign Sokratis Papastathopoulos on a permanent basis in a reported €3.8million (£3.2m) deal. The Greece international is currently on a season-long loan in Germany from Italian parent club Genoa and has been a first-team regular. Bremen, who travel to Hamburg on Saturday aiming to continue their push for the UEFA Champions League, have liked what they have seen from defender Papastathopoulos. And, despite having more than three years remaining on his contract at Genoa, the 23-year-old is said to want to stay at the Weserstadion. Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs told Kreiszeitung Syke newspaper: "Sokratis is fully convinced about his future and he is absolutely confident Werder Bremen is a good club to play for. "He has already signed the subsequent contract that is still pending, although the decision if he is staying on or not is fully up to us. "We will definitely make use of the to-buy option."