The 28-year-old, who has won five caps and is Germany's number two goalkeeper behind Arsenal's Jens Lehmann, has been at Stuttgart since he was 16, but is expected to sign a four-year contract with Valencia to try to make Germany's number one shirt his own.

And with Valencia's 37-year-old Spanish international 'keeper Santiago Canizares reported to be set to leave, Hildebrand's move to Spain is likely to be finalised when his Stuttgart contract finishes at the end of June.

"He will join Valencia, but it has not been announced yet, because of who they have in goal," said Stuttgart manager Horst Heldt.

"But there is no chance the deal will fall through."

Hildebrand will play his last game for Stuttgart in this Saturday's German cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium against Nuremberg and Spanish media agencies have already heralded Hildebrand's imminent arrival.

Stuttgart have formally said farewell to Hildebrand and fellow goalkeeper Dirk Heinen as well as defenders Markus Babbel and Heiko Gerber, with former Liverpool star Babbel set to join the club in a coaching role.

After 288 Bundesliga appearances, 46 in the VfB shirt, 67 games in the English Premier League and 51 internationals, Babbel will retire after Saturday's cup final to join Armin Veh's coaching staff.