The Belarus international appears to have turned down a move to Inter Milan due to the limited prospects of regular football under Jose Mourinho.

After a difficult season with Barcelona, the 28-year-old midfielder would reportedly prefer to find a club who can guarantee him first-team action and Stuttgart have been monitoring his situation for several months now.

The Swabians are intensifying their interest in the former Arsenal player after seeing moves for Real Madrid's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Vagner Love of CSKA Moscow break down.

They are currently discussing a possible loan move for Hleb, who represented Stuttgart between 2000 and 2005 before joining Arsenal, and who was particularly impressive in the Champions League for the Bundesliga side.

Stuttgart, who finished third in the Bundesliga behind Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich last season, would be able to offer Hleb Champions League football once again next season.

Hleb had been part of the exchange deal which saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o switch allegiances earlier this week, but according to reports in Italy, he has turned down the chance to join the Nerazzurri, opening the path for a return to Stuttgart.