Stuttgart move for Lehmann

Stuttgart president Erwin Staudt has confirmed that the Bundesliga club are considering a swoop for Arsenal's out-of-favour goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

The south-west German outfit are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer, with current first choice custodian Timo Hildebrand set to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Lehmann worked under Stuttgart coach Matthias Sammer during his time at Borussia Dortmund between 1999 and 2003, and Staudt told Kicker magazine today that the 35-year-old is definitely an option.

Staudt said: "Jens Lehmann is a topic for us as we are thinking about how to continue after June 30 (when Hildebrand leaves the club).

"I am sure that Matthias Sammer knows Jens Lehmann like no other person."

Lehmann was signed from Dortmund in summer 2003, but Manuel Almunia has taken his place in the Arsenal starting XI since the start of December.

Lehmann has also been warned by Germany national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann that he needs to be playing regular football next season if he is to win a spot in the first team for the 2006 World Cup.