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Hoffenheim forward Mark Uth agrees summer Schalke move

Schalke have agreed a deal to sign Hoffenheim forward Mark Uth on a free transfer in the summer.

Uth, 26, was due to be a free agent in the summer and will sign a four-year deal with Schalke.

The former Germany youth international, who has scored nine Bundesliga goals so far this season, told his new club's official website: "I'm confident that a move to Schalke 04 is the perfect next step for me. I'm really looking forward to tackling this new challenge from the summer.

"Until then, I will of course be fully focused on my role at TSG [Hoffenheim], and will continue to help the club reach their goals with commitment and passion."

He added: "I'm very thankful to TSG for the last few years. I got the chance to prove myself in one of the best leagues in the world here. However, I'd like to start a new chapter in my career this summer.

"I'll give my all for TSG until the end of the season and I hope to be able to score lots of goals and contribute to the team's success. We have ambitious goals and I fully stand behind them."

Schalke are currently second in the Bundesliga and hoping to return to the Champions League next season, and sporting director Christian Heidel said Uth would boost their attack.

"Mark Uth is currently the Bundesliga's most prolific German forward and will strengthen our attacking options even more from next summer," he said. "We're delighted that we have been able to bring him to FC Schalke 04."