VfB Stuttgart exploring a loan move for Brighton’s Brajan Gruda

Sky Germany reports that VfB Stuttgart are exploring the prospect of signing Brighton winger Brajan Gruda on loan. 

Following the departure of Nick Woltemade to Newcastle, Stuttgart will need to add depth to its attack. But a move for Gruda would not rule out the signing of a striker.

The Swabians have already held initial talks with Gruda about a potential move back to Germany, as the ex-Mainz forward is unhappy with his playing time. 

However, Brighton wants to keep Gruda and would demand a very high loan fee if he is to leave. 

Bild reports that Stuttgart see Augsburg’s Alexis Claude Maurcie as the replacement for Woltemade. The 27-year-old is currently injured and is said not to want to extend his contract in the Fuggerstadt. If Augsburg sells the Frenchman, they will be open to talking at €25m. 

Gruda’s former Mainz teammate, Nelson Weiper, would have also been a good replacement for Woltemade and was even an option for Stuttgart; however, he recently extended his contract at the 05ers, meaning a move is more than likely off the table

GGFN | Jack Meenan