German club FC Cologne claim they are close to reaching an agreement with Beitar Jerusalem to sign Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng this month, according to the club's general manager Michael Meier. The Bundesliga outfit had an offer for the 25-year-old turned down before Christmas, but Meier revealed negotiations with Beitar are progressing. The midfielder would be available on a free transfer in July, but Cologne are still keen to sign him in January in a bid to bolster their squad. "We have received a fax from Jerusalem and it looks as though we can reach an agreement," Meier told the Bild newspaper. "It is not yet 100 per cent certain, but things are starting to move. "They have moved closer to our valuation. "Our aim is clearly to have Boateng with us for our training camp in Belek." The Ghanaian has already agreed terms for a deal with Cologne and informed Beitar of his desire to move, leaving only the clubs to agree on a fee. Source: Ghanasoccernet