Stuttgart are ready to rip up the loan deal of Alex Hleb and send him back to Barcelona.

The former Arsenal star joined Stuttgart on-loan in August, but has failed to make an impact since his return to Germany.

El Mundo Deportivo says Stuttgart management are ready to dissolve the agreement and send Hleb back to Barca before the January market shuts.

Stuttgart coach Christian Gross, however, is prepared to stand by Hleb, despite his form struggle.