Exclusive: VfB Stuttgart Eye Rennes’ Esteban Lepaul to Boost Bundesliga Attack

Esteban Lepaul is on the radar of VfB Stuttgart as the Bundesliga club look to strengthen their strike options in January, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The German club are desperate to bolster their stocks up front after losing Nick Woltemade to Newcastle, for a Magpies’ record transfer fee of £64million.

Our sources have been told there are a number of options on the club’s shortlist.

Stuttgart are currently fourth in the Bundesliga and are eager to solidify their position in a tightly-fought battle for the European spots.

Frenchman Lepaul has made a fast start to life in Ligue 1 and is the subject of serious interest.

The 25-year-old joined the club in August and has netted an impressive eight times, and added three assists, in his first 12 appearances for the club.

Lepaul spent his formative years in the Lyon academy and is signed to Rennes until the summer of 2029.

Premier League Shopping List 

West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug was a name touted with a switch to Stuttgart, but the club have vehemently ruled out making a move for the under-fire Hammers’ striker.

Nottingham Forest’s Arnaud Kalimuendo is under consideration after struggling to find his feet in the Premier League.

The Frenchman moved to Forest for £26million in the summer, but is still waiting to break his duck for the club.

Signed off the back of a prolific campaign with Rennes, where he scored 17 goals, he has been used solely as a substitute by Forest’s three managers so far this term.

Forest bosses are open to discussions over the 23-year-old, which is contracted at the club until 2030, but see him as having the potential to be a vital player at the club in the years to come.