Stuttgart sporting director Michael Reschke has admitted the club have no illusions over keeping Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur target Benjamin Pavard any longer than this season.
Pavard impressed in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart last season and then further enhanced his reputation with his performances for France at the World Cup in Russia.
The defender attracted interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Tottenham, amongst other clubs, but Stuttgart worked hard to keep hold of him.
Beyond this season though, Reschke has waved the white flag and accepts Pavard will leave.
"Next season, Pavard will be playing at one of the top five clubs", the sporting director said on Sky Deutschland.
Pavard's contract includes a release clause set at €35m to kick in next summer, something which will leave Stuttgart powerless to resist his departure.
Bayern Munich are considered strong favourites to land Pavard, but he also has interest from the Premier League, along with clubs in Spain, while Paris Saint-Germain are also alive to his talents.
Pavard, 22, has made two appearances in the Bundesliga so far for Stuttgart.
