Galatasaray linked with Bilal El Khannouss: Stuttgart expect 40 million euros

Bilal El Khannouss, who plays for Bundesliga side Stuttgart, is reported to have come onto Galatasaray's transfer agenda. The Istanbul club are said to be keeping a close eye on the Moroccan midfielder, whose sale in January the German club are open to. Stuttgart are reported to be ready to consider offers in the region of 40 million euros including bonuses for the 22-year-old.

According to media reports, the Stuttgart hierarchy could approve El Khannouss leaving the club during the mid-season transfer window. Galatasaray are said to be monitoring the Moroccan's situation closely but have not yet made any concrete move for him. The German club, it is reported, could put the player's sale on the table in return for an offer of around 40 million euros including bonuses.

El Khannouss's name had also come up after Galatasaray's 2-0 win over Stuttgart. Okan Buruk, the Istanbul club's head coach, had confirmed in his comments that they were tracking El Khannouss and Ermedin Demirovic during the transfer window. The Moroccan, for his part, had made eye-catching remarks in an interview about the possibility of playing in Turkey, saying: "God willing, you will see me in Turkey. But I have to say this: I would only play for Galatasaray."

Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, meanwhile, had said he was not worried about the possible departure of his two players. The German coach, who said he knew El Khannouss and Demirovic were happy at Stuttgart, had added that he did not think it right for players at other teams to be talked about in this way.

A product of the Genk academy who has also played for Leicester City during his career, the 22-year-old attacking player has so far contributed 11 goals and 7 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions for Stuttgart. El Khannouss, who also plays for the Morocco national team, can feature in central midfield and on the left wing as well as in his main position of number ten.