By Peter Weis@PeterVicey

Reports: Köln have deal in place to sign Maina

Germany's main sporting tabloid reports that 1. FC Köln will serve as the platform from which Hannover 96's Linton Maina will finally jump back up to Germany's top footballing tier. 

Local newspaper Kölner Express confirms the report.
Linton Maina.
Linton Maina.Photo: Hannover 96
Rumors involving Hannover 96 attacker Linton Maina have become a fact of life for German football fans over the past few years. Despite almost non-stop whispers that the 22-year-old was approaching a deal with a Bundesliga club, the Berlin native has remained in Lower Saxony with his second division side for the past three seasons.

Both Germany's "Sport Bild" and local newspaper "Kölner Express" are now reporting that there is a deal in place to bring the 22-year-old to the cathedral city. The reports seem plausible, given that  Hannover are looking to make room for new signings on their roster and Maina is available on a free via his expiring contract.

Maina has one Bundesliga goal and three assists to his credit during 22 appearances for Die Roten during their 2018/19 relegation campaign. Overall, the attacking midfielder has scored nine times and chipped in 15 assists in (coincidentally) 96 appearances for his current club.

He's scored four goals and contributed one assist for Hannover this year.

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