Manchester City are reportedly making progress in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush.
The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium since the January transfer window opened, with Pep Guardiola believed to be keen to reinforce his frontline.
Man City have been heavily reliant on Erling Haaland's goals so far this season; the Norwegian has scored 21 times in all competitions this term and Phil Foden is next on the list with just five goals.
Marmoush is understood to have caught the eye of several top European clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, and has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga ever since he joined Frankfurt from Wolfsburg on a free transfer in 2023.
The Egypt international has recorded 18 goals and 12 assists in 24 games for Frankfurt across all competitions so far this season, netting 13 goals and providing eight assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances for a side who currently sit third in the table.
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Conflicting reports on Man City's proposed move for Marmoush
A recent report claims that Man City have held preliminary talks with Marmoush's representatives over a potential January move to the Etihad.
Now, the Daily Mail reports that 'informal talks' between Man City and Frankfurt are continuing and an agreement is expected to be reached 'over the coming days'.
This news comes after Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche confirmed on Tuesday that "there has been no contact, no call, nothing at all" from any clubs for Marmoush, as quoted by Sky Deutschland reporters Florian Plettenberg.
Meanwhile, a separate report from The Telegraph claims that Man City are pushing to sign £50m-rated Marmoush in January, but The Guardian states that it will be difficult for the Citizens to secure the services of the attacker this month owing to Frankfurt's quest to qualify for the Champions League.
Man City are said to be aware that Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller is determined to keep hold of Marmoush, who is under contract until the summer of 2027.
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Who else could Man City target in January?
Man City are attempting to refresh Guardiola's first-team squad midway through what has been a disappointing campaign thus far, a consequence of injury issues and a torrid run of just one win in 13 games between November and December.
Sitting sixth in the Premier League table with a top-four finish now their priority this term, Man City have been linked with a plethora of players this month, with reinforcements in defence, midfield and attack believed to be high on their agenda.
Recent reports have credited the Citizens with an interest in promising 20-year-old Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club, but only for the right price.
Meanwhile, midfielders including Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, Atalanta BC's Ederson, Juventus' Douglas Luiz and Lazio's Nicolo Rovella have all been linked with a move to the Etihad.
Oliver Thomas
