Said El Mala’s proposed move to Brentford is not progressing in part due to his family’s request that the Premier League club also sign his brother. 

Malek El Mala also plays for FC Koln in Germany as a striker, but Brentford’s interest is in the 19-year-old winger Said, who has had an excellent season in the Bundesliga.

As a result, nothing has been formally agreed between the clubs nor with the player, contrary to reports in Germany, although a fee for Said is not expected to be an issue, given a figure of around £39m (€45m) has been discussed at length.

Although El Mala is believed to be open to signing for Brentford, there is also believed to be uncertainty about whether 21-year-old Malek would qualify for a work permit. 

Brighton have also shown interest in El Mala and there are believed to be other clubs too, but the complications around the family, who represent both players, mean both currently look unlikely to move to the Premier League.