Super Eagles defender One Cap is close to signing for the German representative for the upcoming UCL season

German Bundesliga surprise team VFB Stuttgart have begun making plans for their UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign after a surprising last season. Own goal Nigeria.com reports.

Stuttgart exceeded all expectations by finishing second behind champions Bayer Leverkusen and thus earning a place in next season’s European elite club competition from the group stage.

Defence is one area where they are keen to add reinforcements and Nigerian international defender Jordan Torunarigha is their top target, who has one year left on his contract with Belgian club Gent.

Linked with a move to Championship side Leeds United, it is Stuttgart who are now leading the chase for his signature, using their Champions League campaign to lure the 26-year-old, who represented Germany at youth level before moving to Nigeria in the top flight and currently has a call-up.

His return to Germany, where he began his professional career, is also said to have played a major role in his decision to join Stuttgart, as well as the fact that playing in the Champions League will increase his chances of earning more caps for the Nigerian senior team.

Gent are said to be demanding a fee of between €2-3m and all parties involved are keen for the move to be made quicker so he can join up with his new team for the start of pre-season training.

Daniel Martins