Stuttgart eye Huntelaar swoop

Coach Markus Babbel has admitted Klaas-Jan Huntelaar would be an ideal signing for his Stuttgart side.

The Netherlands international is believed to be surplus to requirements at Real Madrid just seven months after arriving in Spain and Stuttgart are in the market for a new striker after selling Mario Gomez to Bayern Munich.

"He would fit right in," said Babbel. "He is the sort of quality goalscorer we are looking for.

"We haven't been doing any business on that sort of level yet, but we need a suitable replacement for Mario Gomez.

"Personally, I don't feel it is important whether he signs today or tomorrow. It is more important to know that he is going to sign."

Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has put Lucio's future back into the spotlight after suggesting the Brazil defender could be allowed to leave.

The South American is reported to be unsettled at the Allianz Arena amid suggestions that he is not wanted by new coach Louis van Gaal.

Last week Bayern issued a statement claiming the former Bayer Leverkusen defender remained central to their plans, but Hoeness has now broken ranks to suggest otherwise.

Manchester City and AC Milan have both been linked with moves for Lucio in recent weeks.

"It's up to Lucio what will happen with him," said Hoeness. "If he steps up to us to tell us that a club is interested in signing him, we'll look in to the possibilities.

"However, he'll only leave us for the right price."

Schalke coach Felix Magath has ruled his club out of the running to sign Rapid Vienna striker Erwin Hoffer.

The 22-year-old Austria international has registered on the German club's radar but is too expensive according to Magath.

Schalke have spent the summer snapping up several rising stars from clubs at home and abroad.

"I did already notice that he's a great footballer and that other teams are monitoring his situation too," admitted Magath.

"Schalke don't have the financial resources at the moment though to make a move for Hoffer."