Hertha bag Red Star captain

Hertha Berlin have signed Marko Pantelic on a one-year loan deal.

Hertha Berlin have finally completed their search for a striker before Wednesday's transfer deadline, by signing Marko Pantelic from Red Star Belgrade.

The Serbia & Montenegro international was one of three shortlisted candidates and comes to the club on a one-year loan deal.

Hertha were negotiating the transfer from the beginning of this month, with Red Star initially insisting on a full transfer for the striker, but, with the deadline coming closer, the two clubs finally settled on a loan deal.

Pantelic was Red Star's captain and finished last season as the league's top goalscorer.  He also began this season well, scoring three goals against Croatian side Inter Zapresic in the Uefa Cup.

Hertha coach Falco Gotz is pleased a deal has finally been agreed.

"We tracked Pantelic for a very long time and we are happy that he is here now," he said of the new signing.

"He is a good and experienced player with whom I am sure that we will gain on quality."