Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has admitted he would like to move to Bundesliga side Stuttgart. The 22-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has made 11 Premiership starts this season and believes his international chances are being harmed.
"Stuttgart are a very well-managed club who play on an international stage," the German international told the Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper.
"A transfer there would be a clear improvement for me."
Hitzlsperger, who joined Villa as an 18-year-old from Bayern Munich in 2000, has had four caps for Germany and has his eye on a place in their side at the 2006 World Cup.
He has previously attracted interest from other Bundesliga clubs, including Hamburg, and has suggested a move back to Germany could boost his prospects of impressing national coach Jurgen Klinsmann. But despite receiving a contract offer from Villa, Hitzlsperger is not convinced of his place in manager David O'Leary's long-term plans.
"I'm not playing often enough for Villa," he added.
"With the short appearances that I'm getting, I find it hard to believe that the coach needs me."
O'Leary has accused Hitzlsperger's agent of pricing his player out of the club with excessive wage demands. But Hitzlsperger denied financial issues would be a factor in his decision.
"I can say to you that I've had a good contract offer from Villa and my decision over my future does not depend on money," he said.
MMIX
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