Hashemian set to return to VfL Bochum

IRNA - Vahid Hashemian is set to return to his former Bundesliga club VfL Bochum after his present contract with Hanover 96 ends at the end of this season, the football portal RevierSport said Monday.

Hashemian's deal with Bochum is "almost perfect," the web site was quoted saying.

The Iranian international is expected to make a decision on accepting Bochum's offer this week, it added.

Hashemian who played for Bochum from 2001 until 2004, is to team up with Bochum's Slovakian striker Stanislav Sestak next season, the report said.

The Iranian forward whose earlier Bundesliga stints included also Bayern Munich and Hamburger SV, played 75 German first division matches for Hanover 96 and scored only nine goals during his three seasons with the 'Reds'.

Dubbed the 'helicopter' for his jumping abilities to head the ball, Hashemian had been reportedly linked to other Bundesliga teams like second division squad Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Hashemian had his most successful Bundesliga season in 2003-4 when he had 16 goals and two assists for Bochum.