The fee for the 26-year-old, whose stock rose considerably following his performances in Holland's brief but impressive Euro 2008 campaign, is expected to be in the region of five million euros.

Stuttgart boss Armin Veh told Bild newspaper: "He is just the man we were lacking. He is one who is not scared of getting involved when needed."

Boulahrouz was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and spent last season on loan at Spanish outfit Sevilla, where he struggled for form and fitness.

After two disappointing seasons with Chelsea and Sevilla, Boulahrouz is heading back to Germany, where he enjoyed two productive seasons with Hamburg before making his 13 million euro move to the Blues in 2006.

A statement on Chelsea's official website, www.chelseafc.com, read: "We would like to thank Khalid for his contribution while he was with Chelsea FC and would like to wish him luck at his new club."

Meanwhile, Stuttgart's Portugal international defender Fernando Meira left the team's training camp in Austria on Monday to conclude a transfer away from the club.

"We have allowed Fernando Meira to leave training for now since he has several offers which he can now consider," said Stuttgart's director of sport Horst Heldt.

"He has decided to start something new. For us, his decision to leave VfB is not easy."