FORMER Motherwell loanee Mika Biereth is on the brink of becoming the most expensive January transfer deal of the window, according to reports.
The striker spent six months at Fir Park at the start of last season.
But in a remarkable turnaround he could make the move from Motherwell to MONACO in the space of 12 months – via London and Austria.
The French giants are said to be on the brink of a mega-money deal for the 21-year-old who moved to Sturm Graz on loan from Arsenal a year ago.
They made that move permanent in the summer but 11 goals in 16 games of the Austrian Bundesliga season has thrust him into the transfer spotlight – with Monaco’s Austrian boss leading the chase.
Transfer window expert Fabrizio Romano has reported all conditions have been ‘agreed’ on a deal while another report on the deal from Sacha Tavolieri rates it worth ‘above €15million’.
In today’s exchange rate that’s more than £12.5m.
Monaco’s move has become even more urgent after another ex-Arsenal striker – Folarin Balogun – was injured.
The USA international is out with a recurrence of his shoulder injury back in October.
But though their need is pressing, Graz are claimed to be holding out for a fee a fee closer to €20million (£16.7m) – marking a €16million (£13.4m) profit on their summer outlay.
It’s a huge turnaround for the forward who spent a month of his Motherwell spell stuck on the sidelines nursing a knee injury yet still struck six times in 15 appearances for the Steelmen.
They had hoped to keep the Danish international longer, however the Gunners recalled him at the halfway stage of his loan and re-negotiated a fresh exit – then a £4m transfer.
It’s a move that has worked well for all parties – except Motherwell.
At the time ‘Well boss Stuart Kettlewell said: “This is hugely disappointing and a decision that is completely out of our hands.
“Mika has made a huge impact in his time here and has been well loved by the supporters. Despite this news, his loan has been a major success for player.
“He’d had a loan spell abroad where he didn’t enjoy his time. That has been the opposite here and you can see by the amount of goals and assists, he’s developed well.
“The coaching staff have done an excellent job here in working with Mika and clearly, with interest in the player rising, we have gave him a platform and exposure.”
Birerth said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time in Scotland and felt like I built a real connection with everyone.”
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