Cycling Weekly reports that Degenkolb has been looking for a new team and has now put an end to his search. Neither Giant-Alpecin nor Etixx-Quick Step were able to secure his 2017 signature, the site reports.

With cancellara set to terminate his career at the end of the 2016 season, Trek-Segafredo need a rider to replace the Swiss in the Classics. Given his Classics credentials, Degenkolb is deemed fit to follow in the footsteps of Cancellara who has won the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix on three occassions.

The UCI rules regarding transfers prevent the American WorldTour from confirming Degenkolb’s transfer until August 1, but in this period from the Giro d’Italia to the Tour de France in July, agents are shopping their cyclists.

“We are looking closely at the market with attention because we have to have a competitive team for 2017,” the team’s general manager, Luca Guercilena said. We need to look at what’s possible and give it time. [Degenkolb is] strong and will be good for the classics, he’d be important for any team.”

Without Degenkolb, Giant-Alpecin can focus completely on Tom Dumoulin for the Grand Tours in 2017. They will also have more money in its budget available to sign another star.

Currently, Degenkolb is still struggling to make a complete recovery after being hit head on by a car, along with five of his team mates, during a training accident in Spain in January.