Skip to content

Transfer news: Schalke to discuss new Klaas-Jan Huntelaar deal

FORTALEZA, BRAZIL - JUNE 29:  Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's second goal on a penalty kick in stoppage time during th
Image: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar: Prolific strike rate has attracted interest

Schalke are to hold contract extension talks with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in an effort to avoid losing him as a free agent.

The Netherlands international will see his current deal expire at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

Getting him to commit to fresh terms is considered to be a top priority for the Schalke board, with Huntelaar having become a key figure throughout his four years in Germany.

Struggles at Real Madrid and AC Milan have been put to one side, with 97 goals netted in 151 appearances.

That impressive strike rate has drawn admiring glances from across Europe, with several Premier League sides reported to be keen on acquiring the Dutchman.

Schalke, though, claim informal discussions have already been held, with Huntelaar expressing a willingness to remain in the Bundesliga.

General manager Horst Heldt told BILD: “I am able to confirm a chat with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

“It was a good conversation. Both parties have signalled a basic interest in a new agreement to carry on together in the future.”