Eintracht Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller has raised doubt over Omar Marmoush's £67million move to Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are expected to complete the signing of the Egyptian international who is second only to Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts, with 14 goals in 16 matches.
Marmoush has already agreed personal terms and City are in the throes of negotiating the structure of the fee before signing the prolific forward.
But reports coming out of Germany have raised some doubt over the move, first with the news from Sky Germany that the 25-year-old is expected to be in his side's starting line-up for their clash against SC Freiburg on Tuesday.
This was followed by comments from the Frankfurt boss Toppmoller, who said: 'It’s not out of the question that he stays here.'
City had originally hoped to land Marmoush for around £40m but Frankfurt have been insistent that they want a premium because it is the January window and they need to find a replacement.
The club have been looking for a forward to alleviate the burden on Erling Haaland and Pep Guardiola has admitted they made a mistake by not replacing Julian Alvarez who joined Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal had also been following Marmoush but have not followed up their interest upon discovering Frankfurt's asking price.
City are bolstering their squad to give Guardiola fresh impetus for the second half of the season. Centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to arrive from Lens at the start of next week after City agreed to pay £33.5million for the Uzbekistan international.
The 20-year-old will sign a four and a half year contract with an option for a further year. City remain in negotiations for 18-year-old Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras also but the plan is for him to join them after the World Club Cup in July.
Palmeiras are pushing for a £37m deal which would represent a Brazilian record fee for a defender.
City have not finished there and remain alert to adding another midfielder this month.
BrianKessy767
0
there are so many strikers
Dekclmnu
0
City are leaking goals why buy a centre forward, confusing tactics from Guardiola.
fowbclopry
0
Omar marmoush Go to city
At your own risk, remember 115charges is coming
sondimnouy
0
which oil you talking about silly boy? You aught to respect City,the reigning champion for the 4th consecutive season and you are talking nonsense.
sybau fn
Zicceklnst
0
Omar marmoush Go to city
Reyaenstuz
1
FOCUS ON YOUR USELESS CLUB AND LEAVE CITY ALONE
Neitsizozumvu
0
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
Why are people always jealous, why not enjoy football silently
Feaceorsyz
2
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
which oil you talking about silly boy? You aught to respect City,the reigning champion for the 4th consecutive season and you are talking nonsense.
Avie23
0
But when will this end we want him at ETiHAD
Kekinpsy
0
its better to come to Liverpool
JsonKing1107
1
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
stupid post。。want player plaing 60match one season？？no need sub？？no need rest？？
Techno1
2
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
if he performs well why not giving him a chance. And advice your so-called not to go for him as well
subash26
2
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
11 Players only allowed Football
Blaqpablo
1
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
Will every player starts?
Dohalmnotu
0
So city want this guy to stay on the bench like Alvarez they are so selfish with that oil money
Cityfanchamp23
2
this deal might not go through,and pep knows things,just from his recent interview