Max Kruse
Kruse set for summer transfer, but Wolfsburg may have already beaten Tottenham to his signature Getty

Tottenham Hotspur target Max Kruse will leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer having already said goodbye to his teammates, but is likely to stay in Germany to sign for Wolfsburg.

In recent days it has been reported that Tottenham have identified Kruse, 27, as a possible addition to their attacking options.

The German striker is expected to leave Monchengladbach at the end of the season and his release clause of £9m ($13.9m) is unlikely to deter his suitors from launching a bid.

Tottenham may be too late, however, with Bild reporting Wolfsburg have already struck a deal to sign Kruse.

The same publication carries quotes from his Monchengladbach teammates bemoaning the loss of the striker.

"Yes, that's right," midfielder Granit Xhaka told Bild when asked if Kruse was leaving. "There was already lots of speculation. Max has today finally confirmed that he is leaving Borussia. It is always bitter and disappointing when a player is leaving us. Max is a very interesting striker. Too bad for us, bad for the club."

Winger Patrick Herrmann added: "In football by now it is normal that a player leaves the club. Even if Max is very important to us. But the club is still determined in the summer to present some new additions."

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has already spoken of making changes to his squad over the summer and has this week made it clear that it will be him who has final say on which players join and which players leave the club.

"For all managers at all clubs, it is important on the players coming in that you always agreed with the club in signing these players. This is not only for me, but all managers," Pochettino said.

"We have worked very hard in the last six months to identify our targets, to have a clear idea and picture, we analyse and assess all the situations to deliver in the summer.

"You know you do not have much time to decide, the holidays are coming and we need to be ready to take the decisions."