Marcel Franke exits Norwich City for Hannover

Marcel Franke has completed a permanent move from Norwich City to Hannover in a three-year deal.

The 26-year-old defender spent last season on loan in the German second tier with Darmstadt, appearing 25 times and scoring two goals as they managed a 10th-place finish.

Now the German has linked up with Hannover, who will be playing in the 2.Bundesliga next term following a disastrous season that saw them relegated from the top flight with just five wins all season.

"Hannover 96 is an established club with a lot of tradition that is just starting to reinvent itself, with very exciting and ambitious ideas behind it," Franke told the club's website.

"The people in charge convinced me from the very first interview the transfer worked out."

Head coach Mirko Slomka added: "We looked for a modern type of defender and found it with Marcel. He brings everything you need in terms of game understanding and top-level tackling today, and he's one of the most brilliant fits for us."

Franke made just eight appearances for Norwich during his two years with the club.