French side chases Iraqi player – report

French side Grenoble have bid for Iraqi international striker Younes Mahmoud, his Qatari side Al-Gharafa reported on Saturday.

Al-Gharafa, Qatari champions, said on their website they had “received an offer from Grenoble for the services of Iraqi international Younes Mahmoud in the winter transfer window.”

There was no mention of a putative transfer fee or any indication of a response from Grenoble.`

Al-Gharafa indicated the root of the interest in Mahmoud was the fact that Grenoble coach, Bosnian Farouk Hadzibegic, knows him from his time in charge of Qatari side Al-Wakrah prior to heading for France last year.

Mahmoud, 25, was a revelation at the Asian Cup last year, voted player of the tournament as Iraq won the event.

Afterwards he indicated he would like to try his hand in the French league.

Grenoble, promoted last season, are currently eighth in the top flight.