Bremen receive Almeida boost

Striker insists he is staying at Bundesliga outfit

Last Updated: December 8, 2010 6:03pm

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Almeida: Made stay pledge

Sky Bet

Werder Bremen have received a massive boost with the news that Portugal striker Hugo Almeida has pledged his future to the club.

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The 26-year-old has previously been linked with a January transfer move to Real Madrid, while Sporting Lisbon and Valencia are also thought to be interested.

But the hot-shot, who has scored nine league goals already this season, has no intention of seeking new pastures.

"I am staying," he insisted to Bremen newspaper Weser Kurier on Wednesday.

The striker is under contract with the Bundesliga outfit until June 2011 and currently has a market value of around €7million (£5.86m).

Risk

While there is a risk that Almeida could leave Bremen for nothing next summer, the crowd-favourite has said that is not an option.

The news is a welcome boost for 10th-placed Bremen ahead of Saturday's clash with runaway Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Almeida is not available for the clash after he was sent off in the recent 3-0 victory over St Pauli - in which he netted a hat-trick - and will not play in the Bundesliga until January.

But he featured in the creditable 3-0 UEFA Champions League victory over holders Inter Milan on Tuesday, with the German side still finishing bottom of Group A despite the win.