Freiburg swoops for Kruse

The 24-year-old has scored 13 times in 34 appearances for St Pauli this season, although that record was not quite enough to lead the Hamburg-based club back into the top flight after it missed out on a place in the play-off on goal difference to Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Nevertheless, former Werder Bremen player Kruse will be playing Bundesliga football next year after joining Freiburg.

"Max Kruse is a very dangerous attacking midfielder who has already some Bundesliga experience," said Freiburg's director of sport Dirk Dufner.

"To have managed to attract such a coveted young player to Freiburg shows that we remain an attractive destination for talented players."

Freiburg avoided relegation to the second division with a fine second half of the season under the guidance of Christian Streich, who equalled a club record for consecutive games unbeaten before losing to champion Borussia Dortmund on the final day of the season.