Köln "have no intention" of selling El Mala to Brighton, claims report
| Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images |
1. FC Köln have repeatedly turned down Brighton & Hove Albion’s requests for a meeting regarding a potential summer transfer for striker Saïd El Mala, according to Sport Bild.
While El Mala’s family have reportedly given the green light for a move to a move to Brighton, Köln “have no intention” of selling the 19-year-old to the Seagulls, with their head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, considered a “bargain hunter”.
Köln want to get the maximum return for El Mala and have set a price of €50 million for the youngster, but Brighton are only willing to pay €35 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Because of this discrepancy, the Bundesliga outfit are in contact with other clubs and agents in England.
According to the report, El Mala's camp have turned down a recent approach from Newcastle, but the player's mother, Sabrina, has indicated that she is open to offers from clubs besides Brighton.
Other English mid-table clubs, such as Brentford, Everton and Fulham, could make a move for the winger soon.
Chelsea have also been mentioned as suitors previously.
El Mala's contract with Köln runs until the summer of 2030, and he has no release clause.
