VfB Stuttgart in talks with Fortuna Düsseldorf over Ao Tanaka | OneFootball

Sky Germany reports that VfB Stuttgart have held talks with Fortuna Düsseldorf over Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka ahead of the winter transfer window.

Tanaka is open to a move to the high-flying Bundesliga side and he would provide greater depth in midfield for Stuttgart who have consistently used Atakan Karazor and Angelo Stiller throughout this season. Recently Karazor has also shown that he may not be up to the desired quality that Stuttgart would like if they do eventually qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season.

A move for the 25-year-old will be relatively cheap for Stuttgart as he has a release clause of around €5m but he could probably be bought for cheaper at €3.5m.

Tanaka has played 16 times for Düsseldorf this season scoring four times and assisting once. He is a versatile midfield being able to play as a defensive midfielder as well as a more attacking-minded option.

GGFN | Jack Meenan