Leipzig, 20 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) - RB Leipzig have already reached an agreement with Napoli and North Macedonia midfielder Eljif Elmas over a January transfer, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

Elmas will receive a contract until 2028 in Leipzig and a transfer fee of around €25 million ($27 million) is under discussion. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on X that talks are taking place.

Elmas could replace Emil Forsberg at the German Cup winners after the Swede celebrated his Bundesliga swansong on Tuesday in the 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen, his 325 competitive game for the club. The 32-year-old is moving to sister club New York Red Bulls.

Elmas, currently injured with a leg problem, played 36 of 38 Serie A games for the Italian champions last season. He moved to southern Italy from Fenerbahce in 2019.

The 24-year-old has played 52 international matches and scored 12 goals for North Macedonia.

RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schröder said ahead of the Bremen game: "The winter transfer window is not that easy. We'll only recruit if we're 100% convinced."

The Bundesliga side will travel to a training camp in La Manga, Spain, from January 2-7 before the Bundesliga resumes from its mid-season break on January 13 when RB Leipzig host Eintracht Frankfurt.

Photo: EPA