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Bayer Leverkusen loan Robbie Kruse to Stuttgart

Bayer Leverkusen have loaned Australian forward Robbie Kruse to their Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old will wear the number nine shirt, which only became available when Vedad Ibisevic left for Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

The move occurred just before Leverkusen announced a deal for Manchester United striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

"I'm really looking forward to this new challenge with Stuttgart and I would like to play my part in ensuring we enjoy better sporting fortunes in the coming weeks and months," Kruse told his new club's website.

"Robbie Kruse knows the Bundesliga very well," added Stuttgart's director of sport Robin Dutt.

"He has been involved in all of preseason for Leverkusen and has played a few times this season.

"With his pace and mobility, he is a perfect addition for our game."