Brentford table blockbuster €45m bid for Cologne sensation Said El Mala

Brentford have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of highly-rated Said El Mala after submitting a major offer.

The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s breakout attacking talents following an impressive first full season.

El Mala bagged 13 goals and five assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances despite Cologne struggling for much of the campaign.

Brentford have now submitted a package worth around €45m, including €40m guaranteed and a further €5m in add-ons.

Cologne are yet to formally respond to the proposal as they are holding out for closer to €50m for one of their prized young assets.

The Bundesliga club’s managing director for sport, Thomas Kessler, recently confirmed that an official offer had been made for the winger, although he refused to name the club involved.

“There are many clubs interested in him, not only in England,” Kessler explained. “If you look at Said from a data perspective, there are not many clubs in Europe that would not have him on their radar.”

Brentford are pushing aggressively to secure an agreement quickly after growing competition for the German youth international across Europe.

Several clubs have reportedly monitored El Mala in recent months following his breakthrough campaign.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have all been linked with the winger at different stages.

However, Brentford currently appear to be leading the race after moving ahead with concrete negotiations.

El Mala is not believed to have agreed personal terms with Brentford at this stage.

The player reportedly wants the two clubs to first reach an agreement before deciding his next move.

Brentford’s recruitment model has consistently focused on identifying emerging young talents before their value rises, and they are seemingly prepared to invest heavily again this summer.

The Bees enjoyed another strong Premier League campaign under manager Keith Andrews and narrowly missed out on European qualification after finishing ninth.

Cologne originally signed El Mala from lower-league side Viktoria Koln before his rapid rise to Bundesliga prominence.

The teenager attracted attention internationally despite narrowly missing out on Germany’s World Cup squad this summer.

Brentford will now hope negotiations progress quickly as they attempt to secure one of German football’s most sought-after young forwards.