Hoffenheim have moved to address their striker shortage by signing Boubacar Sanogo on loan from Bundesliga rivals Werder Bremen until the end of the season, subject to a medical.
The Bundesliga leaders were dealt a blow earlier this month when top scorer Vedad Ibisevic, who had netted 18 goals in 17 games this season, was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a serious knee injury.
But they will hope to have found cover in the former Hamburg frontman, who traveled to Hoffenheim to put the finishing touches to a move which could help him resurrect a career that was beginning to stagnate in northern Germany.
"It comes as a surprise," he said. "I am happy and sad at the same time. I felt very happy in the team and at this club, but maybe I will have more chances to play with Hoffenheim."
The Ivory Coast forward scored 10 goals in 29 games for Bremen, but fell out of favour following the arrival of Claudio Pizarro in the summer.
And Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs believes the move is in in the interests of both the player and the club.
"There has been a bit of discontent in recent months, both with the player and from our side," he said.
"After careful consideration, we have decided to agree to this move for both side's sake."
The 26-year-old's contract with Bremen still lasts until 2011, but Hoffenheim have the option to make the move permanent in the summer.
