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Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is set to sign for Stuttgart in what would be one of the transfer coups of the summer.

The Netherlands international had been linked with Manchester United, Milan and Tottenham.

"It's not important for me whether the new striker is here tomorrow or in a week's time," coach Markus Babbel told Stuttgarter Zeitung. "He would fit what we are looking for exactly."

Huntelaar scored eight goals in 22 appearances for Real Madrid after joining in January last season, with most of his appearances coming from the bench.

The Dutch forward could be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu after Karim Benzema joined from Lyon, and Stuttgart are the only major side to make firm their interest in the ex-Ajax hit-man.

A £15 million-plus deal would soften the blow of Mario Gomez leaving Stuttgart for Bayern Munich for almost twice that amount.

Fellow Dutchman Khalid Boulahrouz wants Huntelaar to be his club team-mate next season.

"If this transfer goes through, Stuttgart would have done some good business," he said. "He will help us. He is a complete striker."

Eurosport