Koln vs VfB Stuttgart preview - Deyverson strengthens Cologne

Cologne have strengthened their squad ahead of the visit of Stuttgart by signing Brazilian forward Deyverson on loan from Belenenses.

He may not have been the number one target of coach Peter Stoger, who said prior to the weekend that he was hopeful of signing former Hoffenheim forward Carlos Eduardo, but the 23-year-old will nevertheless add more firepower to one of the tamest attacks in the Bundesliga.

Only Borussia Dortmund and Hamburg have scored fewer than Cologne's 19 goals so far this season.

"Deyverson is a young player who got adapted to Portuguese football very quickly and has already made a name for himself with his goalscoring threat," said Cologne's director of sport Jorg Jakobs.

"Our scouting department has done a good job and that enabled us to sign a suitable forward who will give us more options up front."

Deyverson will not be part of Stoger's squad for the visit of Stuttgart on Wednesday with the Cologhe coach wanting to "give him some time to acclimatise".

He has scored eight goals in 16 games for Belenenses so far this season and will have an opportunity during a loan spell to earn a permanent move to the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart also delved into the transfer market on deadline day, securing the services of Ivory Coast midfielder Geoffroy Serey Die from Basel.

He too will have to wait before making his debut for the Swabians since he is currently on international duty at the African Nations Cup, but Stuttgart have high hopes of him when he does arrive.

"We're delighted with this signing," said Stuttgart's director of sport Robin Dutt.

"He's a player with a lot of international experience and he will soon find his feet in his new surroundings and give stability to our team with his no-nonsense style.

"We've found an experienced player who can also provide orientation for our young players."