Timo Hildebrand is a step closer to quitting Valencia in January.

The Germany international is desperate for first team action to strengthen his Euro2008 claims and knows he is on the outer of new coach Ronald Koeman's plans.

Koeman failed to name Hildebrand in his squad for this week's Champions League tie against Chelsea and the shot-stopper is expected to seek a return to the Bundesliga during next month's market.