Stuttgart president Wehrle hopeful over permanent Undav deal

VfB Stuttgart president Alexander Wehrle is still hoping for a rare bit of good news in a difficult close season for the Bundesliga runners-up and believes Germany forward Deniz Undav will sign a permanent deal.

Stuttgart wowed the Bundesliga by finished second last term, a year after nearly being relegated. But so far in the close season, they have lost Hiroki Ito to Bayern Munich and fellow defender Waldemar Anton to Borussia Dortmund, while top striker Serhou Guirassy also seems set to join the Black and Yellows.

Keeping Undav, who was on loan from England's Brighton last season and scored 18 goals, would be a big step to stem the tide of exits and give fans a boost for a season which will also include the Champions League.

"We have a good chance of getting him," Wehrle told news portal BW24 on Wednesday.

Undav has said he wants to stay at Stuttgart but Wehrle added a note of caution as negotiations over a fee continue with Brighton.

"It could ultimately be a question of time. At some point we may have to say: 'this far and no further'. But that time has not come yet," he said.

Stuttgart have also been linked in the media with Augsburg striker Ermedin Demirović, who netted 15 league goals last term.