Hoffenheim deny rumours linked to shock Said El Mala transfer | OneFootball

A rumour suggesting 1.FC Köln's Said El Mala was close to joining TSG Hoffenheim has been strongly denied by the Sinsheim club.

The story, first broken by the Express, deemed Hoffenheim were on the cusp of launching a “major move” for the 19-year-old.

However, Hoffenheim quickly released a short statement labelling their reported interest in the winger as a “transfer hoax”.

Alongside several Premier League sides in contention for his signature, Borussia Dortmund are not giving up hope just yet. 

Ultimately, the biggest stumbling block for BVB is Köln's €50million valuation – a figure around €15million greater than their record signing.