What happened: Eintracht Frankfurt are nearing a verbal agreement with 20-year-old German youth international Noël Aséko, who spent the past two seasons on loan in the 2. Bundesliga at Hannover. Frankfurt believe they can hold off interest from outside Germany for the versatile midfielder. The complication is Bayern Munich, who hold his rights and have not yet decided whether to sell.
Why it matters: Aséko's profile fits a need: he can operate as a defensive midfielder, at right midfield, or as a right wing-back, giving Frankfurt flexibility across the spine and flank for next season. For Bayern, the call is whether to fold a developing homegrown talent into the senior squad or cash in. A reported warm working relationship between the clubs' sporting leadership could grease any negotiation.
By the numbers: Bayern are said to want between €10m and €12m if they opt to sell. Aséko is 20 and has spent his last two seasons on loan at second-tier Hannover.
What to watch: Watch whether Bayern decide to keep Aséko for their own squad or sanction a sale, which would clear Frankfurt to firm up the verbal agreement into terms.