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Stuttgart sign defender Federico Barba on loan

Xinhua, February 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

VfB Stuttgart have completed the loan deal with Empoli F.C. defender Federico Barba, the "Swabians" confirmed at the final day of the transfer window on Monday.

Stuttgart have reinforced their defence with the singing of the 22-year-old centre back, who helped Empoli to earn promotion for Italy's top flight in 2014 and penned a loan contract until the end of the season. The contract includes an option to make the deal permanent.

"In addition to our currently very successful and experienced centre backs we have signed with Federico Barba another young and talented defender who fits into our requirement profile. We will observe him in the next six months to see if is he a long-term option for us," Stuttgart's sporting director Robin Dutt said.

The Italy Under-21 international played since 2013 for the Seria A outfit Empoli, where he provided overall two goals in 42 appearances. Stuttgart's new arrival received the jersey no. 24.

The "Swabians" sit only two points adrift of the Bundesliga drop zone. They face Eintracht Frankfurt at the 20th round in Bundesliga on Feb. 6. Endit