Everton's hopes of landing Dennis Geiger in the January transfer window have suffered a setback after the midfielder revealed that he is in talks over a new deal with Hoffenheim.
Sky Germany had claimed that the Blues were lining up a bargain deal for the 24-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer. But he now looks set to stay with the Bundesliga club, providing terms can be agreed over a fresh contract.
Speaking to Kicker, Geiger said: “We are in talks (over a new deal). I feel extremely comfortable at Hoffenheim. I don’t need to repeat that every two weeks! Everyone who works more closely with me here knows how much I enjoy what I do. And how much fun I have with the team and the staff.
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“In the past, it was always my goal to play for Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund. Or even in the Premier League. But when you suffer so many injury setbacks, I’m mainly just happy that I’ve fought my way back like this. And that I can still play football at this level at all.”
Geiger's comments will almost certainly rule out any chance of the former Germany under-21 international making the move to Goodison Park next month. Frank Lampard is looking to bolster his squad for the second half of the season, but will likely now be forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
The Blues will be back in competitive action when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Boxing Day. Lampard will be hoping that the benefits of a mid-season tour to Australia can help the Toffees start to climb the Premier League table.
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