1. FC Köln were rocked by a significant injury blow during the international break, as Bologna loanee Thijs Dallinga tore his cruciate ligament in a friendly.
With the Dutch forward expected to miss the rest of the season, squad planner Tim Steidten and his scouting team are working to find a replacement ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Sport Bild, Köln are looking to bring in a striker on loan, preferably with an optional purchase clause, and are focusing on the English market.
The Billy Goats have previously recruited from England, signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey from Manchester City on a permanent deal and Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham, for example.
The report claims Köln have already contacted numerous agents, with Brentford’s Callum Wilson and Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah mentioned as potential options.
Leeds United forward Lukas Nmecha has also previously been linked with a move to Köln.
The report further claims that Köln’s scouts are monitoring the Turkish market, where clubs such as Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahçe have quality players struggling for regular playing time who could potentially strengthen the Bundesliga side.