Mainz boss "optimistic" about Maloney signing

Mainz have confirmed reports that they are looking to sign Lennard Maloney from Heidenheim.

"We are working on realizing the transfer this winter and reaching an agreement with Heidenheim," Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert told Bild.

"We are optimistic that this will happen in the next two weeks."

Maloney, 25, has handed in a transfer request at Heidenheim and is understood to have agreed a contract with Mainz until 2028.

Should the two clubs fail to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes, the defensive midfielder will complete the move in the summer when he's out of contract.