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Werder Bremen sign Fallou Diagne, extend coach Viktor Skripnik's deal

Werder Bremen completed the signing of defender Fallou Diagne from Rennes on Monday, shortly after giving coach Viktor Skripnik a new contract.

Diagne, 26, previously played in the Bundesliga with Freiburg for two seasons before moving to France in 2014.

He earned his first cap for Senegal in May.

"Fallou is a very well-trained player, who has recently taken the next step in his development," said sporting director Frank Baumann.

"At 26 years old, he's already a seasoned central defender, who has gained experience both internationally in France as well as in the Bundesliga with SC Freiburg.

"Fallou is strong in the tackle and is also very versatile."

Skripnik signed a new two-year contract until 2018 despite only just managing to steer the club away from relegation last season.

"Werder have always been strong when they had a certain degree of continuity in this position," Baumann said. "He's done a lot of positive work here and brought on the players in the past two years."

Skripnik took over from Robin Dutt in October 2014 and he has kept the club in the top flight in his two seasons in charge.

His third campaign will start on Aug. 26, when Bremen travel to Bayern Munich to begin the 2016-17 season.

"I'm delighted about this new contract and I'm hungry for what's coming next," said Skripnik, who was part of the Bremen side which won a league and cup double in 2004.

Bremen also announced on Friday that forward Fin Bartels has signed a new contract.

"Fin's become an absolute key player for us since coming here and he enjoys a high standing within the team," said Baumann.

"We're delighted that he is going to continue taking on a key role in the coming years."