Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly seeking €80 million for their prolific striker Omar Marmoush, who has emerged as a key. tRANSFER Manchester City target.
The Egypt international was first on Liverpool's radar after scoring 13 goals and eight assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances before the winter break. However, Pep Guardiola's City are out of sorts intention to make reinforcements in all areas of the field to save their derailed season.
Marmoush was thought to be available for around £40mbut Sky Sport Germany now report that Frankfurt will demand up to £67m, with any fee below that figure considered ludicrous.
Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche confirmed the club's stance on any interest in their star players during the winter window.
“Our main goal is to keep the team together,” Krosche said Buckwheat this week. “Something extraordinary would have to happen for us to leave this position.”
The player himself has did his best to understate rampant speculation, insisting he is “not thinking about a transfer”. “I live here and now and I'm enjoying my time in Frankfurt,” added Marmoush.
There is believed to be no buyout clause in Marmoush's contract and negotiations between them town and Frankfurt have not yet started, except for the confirmation of Premier League interest of the club.
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala is another player City are interested in. While the 21-year-old is unlikely to be on the move this month, he is RECITED demanded that a buyout clause be inserted into any future contract he signs with Bayern – giving City and any other suitors a fixed price to target.
Guardiola's team has has already progressed in talks this month with the centre-back duo of Palmeiras teenager Vitor Reis and young Lens talent Abdukodir Khusanov in a double strike worth up to €80m.
City are in a sound financial position after making a profit of almost £100m in last summer's transfer window. However, whether they will be willing to meet Frankfurt's asking price for a player who has only once previously scored more than five top-flight goals in a single season remains to be seen.