Albertz heads east

Albertz was a firm favourite in his time at Ibrox

Former Germany and Rangers midfielder Jorg Albertz is leaving SV Hamburg to play for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua.

The 32-year-old three times capped German international has struggled to figure in Hamburg coach Kurt Jara's plans since returning there from Rangers in 2001.

Albertz rejoins Hamburg

And on Tuesday the Bundesliga side said Albertz had agreed to be released from his contract which was due to run until June next year.

"I was warmly welcomed in China and I got the feeling I could be useful there," said Albertz after a fact-finding mission to China.

The midfielder is expected to sign a deal with Shenhua before the end of the week in time for the start of the Chinese season in March.

Albertz enjoyed five seasons at Rangers and scored 76 goals, many of which were thunderous long-range shots, which earned him the nickname "The Hammer."