Sport Bild Report: Stuttgart set price tag for Silas

VfB Stuttgart's one-time Congolese sensation Silas - despite netting four league goals this season - has largely fallen out of VfB Stuttgart trainer Sebastian Hoeneß' plans. Only nine of the 25-year-old's 28 appearances for club across all competitions this season have been starts.

Silas hasn't featured in Hoeneß' starting XI since the match-day 13 victory over Bremen. All seven of his relief appearances since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty have been brief. He managed to get his name on the scoresheet against Bayern for the first time this calendar year last weekend. 

Hoeneß - speaking at a Wednesday presser - specifically praised Silas for his patience, dedication, and hard work while working outside the XI during Stuttgart's sensational run to Champions' League qualification. Hoeneß' words seem to suggest that the club still valued the player. 

"He never gave up," Hoeneß said, "He simply carried on and trained. I'm pleased for him as a person as well. This was confirmation of what I told him. He has to keep at it to be able to perform when he comes in. He himself is responsible for that. That's why I was so happy."

It has been rumored that Stuttgart entertained, yet ultimately rejected a bid for Silas during the recent January transfer window. At that time, a loan deal with a €15 million purchase option was considered an insufficient offer. Silas was once valued at €25 million. 

At present, German football reporter Julian Agardi of Germany's "Sport Bild" tabloid claims that the club is willing to sell Silas off for €10 million; a price tag in line with his estimated market worth in the latest transfermarkt update. 

It remains to be seen if another club can secure Silas' services for what seems to be a bargain basement price. The Württembergers will need a deep roster in order to remain in Champions' League next season.