1. FC Köln in talks to sign Manchester City’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey | OneFootball

1. FC Köln have been struck with an injury crisis in defence this season, and now the club’s management are acting in the transfer window.

Regional outlet Express reported earlier on January 1 that Köln have reached an agreement with an unnamed defender. Hours later, The Telegraph named the Bundesliga club as one of several teams interested in signing Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan for the remainder of the season, with City ready to recall the player from his loan spell at Celtic after playing just 64 minutes.

However, they face competition from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg to sign Simpson-Pusey with unnamed Championship clubs also showing an interest in the young central defender.

1. FC Köln’s defensive problems

With Timo Hübers sidelined after a serious knee injury, Ran van den Berg serving a two game suspension and both Joël Schmied and Luca Kilian injured, it leaves the Bundesliga club with two central defenders: Dominique Heintz (32) and Cenk Özkacar (25).

Sitting 11th after 15 games, Lukas Kwasniok’s side have conceded 24 goals in the Bundesliga in their first season back in Germany’s top flight.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder