Hoffenheim confirm signing of Fabian Schar

Hoffenheim have completed a deal to sign Fabian Schar from Basel for an undisclosed fee.

Reports earlier in the season suggested that both Arsenal and Manchester United were watching the defender closely, while he has also been repeatedly linked with a move to Serie A.

However, Hoffenheim have won the race to secure his services after convincing the 23-year-old to sign a four-year contract.

"For him to sign for Hoffenheim is certainly confirmation of the great work we are doing here," sporting director Alexander Rosen said in a statement. "We have taken another step forward in our squad planning with the signing of Fabian Schar.

"Schar's build-up play is very good and he is someone who has already been able to gain international experience at a young age, yet still has plenty of potential."

Schar has made 12 appearances for Switzerland since his debut in 2013.