According to multiple reports, El-Ouas Zakaria is closer than ever to joining Hamburg, with the teams having reached an agreement. The defender, currently with Genk is now discussing personal terms, with both parties aiming to wrap up the deal quickly. While nothing is final yet, it is looking increasingly likely that El-Ouas Zakaria will be a Hamburg player imminently. Hamburg remain optimistic, but the deal is not without hurdles. Everton and Crystal Palace continue to monitor developments and could yet re-enter the race if negotiations stall or valuation gaps remain unresolved. Defensively, Hamburg are sitting around the league average this season, at 2.0 goals conceded per game. Someone like El-Ouas Zakaria could keep them steady but also raise the level when it matters most. Reports suggest Hamburg are monitoring Terem Moffi, Jacques Ekomie and Sebastiaan Bornauw whereas Genk have not been associated with other players at this stage. More on this story as it develops. Need more Hamburg transfer rumours? Follow @PlayerSwitchCom on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news from Hamburg.