Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche has confirmed that one club has "made contact" over a move to sign Omar Marmoush, amid reported interest from Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a transfer to the Etihad Stadium since the January transfer window opened, with Pep Guardiola believed to be keen to strengthen his options up front.
Recent reports have claimed that the Premier League champions have agreed personal terms with Marmoush after entering advanced negotiations with the player's representatives earlier this week.
On Thursday, Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmoller - once on the books at Man City during his playing days back in 2001 - denied claims that the Citizens, or any other club, had made contact over a potential move for Marmoush.
However, the Bundesliga club's CEO Krosche revealed before Saturday's encounter with St Pauli that talks have now taken place with an interested club, believed to be Man City.
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Marmoush edging closer to Man City move?
Speaking to Sky Sports Deutschland, Krosche said: "One club has made contact. A club has expressed its interest. We hope that [Marmoush] stays."
Marmoush was named in Frankfurt's starting lineup for their first Bundesliga game since the German winter break and he scored the only goal just after the half-hour mark in a narrow 1-0 win away against St Pauli.
The Egypt international has now notched up 19 goals and 12 assists in 25 appearances for Frankfurt across all competitions this season, with his goal against St Pauli increasing his Bundesliga goal tally to 14 in 16 matches - level at the top of the charts with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Marmoush is 'close' to joining Man City and verbal discussions are 'advancing fast' between both clubs.
The Citizens are hopeful that a formal agreement can be reached to sign the versatile forward at some stage next week.
It is understood that Frankfurt will demand around €80m (£67m) for their star attacker, who has a contract until June 2027, but Man City and Marmoush's entourage are believed to consider a transfer fee between £42m and £50m (€50m to €60m) to be more realistic.
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Can Marmoush help Man City reduce reliance on Haaland?
Marmoush has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga ever since he joined Frankfurt from Wolfsburg on a free transfer in 2023.
Having previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, Man City now appear to be the clear frontrunners to sign Marmoush, a player identified as a top target to reinforce Guardiola's attack.
The Citizens have been heavily reliant on Erling Haaland's goals so far this season; the Norwegian has scored 21 times across all competitions and Phil Foden is next on the list with just five goals.
Marmoush, who is comfortable operating as a central striker, out wide or in a deeper attacking role in behind the striker, has been described by transfer expert Romano as the 'perfect player' to replace fellow versatile forward Julian Alvarez, who was sold for a club-record fee to Atletico Madrid last summer.
Meanwhile, Man City have reportedly had a €40m (£33.5m) bid accepted by Lens for 20-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov, while they remain in talks with Palmeiras over a deal to sign 18-year-old centre-back Vitor Reis after seeing an opening offer turned down.
Oliver Thomas
