Cologne deny they have received offer for young talent El Mala

Cologne's Said El Mala celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1. FC Cologne and Borussia Moenchengladbach at RheinEnergieStadion. Marius Becker/dpa

Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler has denied that the Bundesliga club has received an offer for their 19-year-old talent Said El Mala.

"We maintain close and reliable communication with Said and his family. As of now, we haven't received any offers from other clubs that we need to seriously consider. Nor has the player expressed any desire to enter into talks with other clubs," he told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

El Mala has been repeatedly linked to a transfer to Premier League side Brighton. Other top clubs are reportedly also interested in the player.

But Kessler isn't bothered by the transfer speculations: "The ball is in Cologne's court – Said is under contract with us until 2030."

The Bundesliga club has "not set a financial threshold," Kessler clarified when asked about a potential transfer fee.

"We will address the issue in due course. We've been working very closely with Said since the start of the season. He has made it unmistakably clear that his full focus is currently on his development at Cologne and the final stretch of the season. He has clear goals with the club," Kessler said.

Cologne are 15th in the Bundesliga, just two points from the relegation zone.