Monday, 22nd October, 2012
Schalke have announced that they have halted negotiations with Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar over a new contract as they feel him incapable of making a decision at present.
Huntelaar’s current contract with the Gelsenkirchen-based club runs out at the end of the season and his potential availability on a free transfer or for a knockdown fee in the January transfer window has alerted a number of clubs.
The Dutch striker scored an astonishing 48 goals in 48 games for Schalke last season and in the summer was heavily linked with English Premier League side Liverpool, who are still believed to be keeping tabs on his situation. And Huntelaar did admit to Inside Futbol in the summer that he rates the English top flight as "the best competition alongside the Bundesliga".
From Spain, Malaga are keen on the 29-year-old, along with Italian champions Juventus, while fellow Serie A giants Lazio are the latest side to join the race.
Schalke have been hopeful of persuading the Holland international to pen a new contract, but are ready to let their star striker wait until December or January to make his mind up, despite the risk that brings.
"We have decided that until December we will not make any more calls and we’ll await developments", explained Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt to Sport 1.
relatedNewsStory"That is the wish of the player and I agree with it.
"I feel that Klaas-Jan is, at the moment, not able to decide."
But while Schalke will give Huntelaar a pause in having to make his decision, they do want him to decide in an instant when December or January rolls around.
"Then, I’ll demand a quick decision", added Heldt.
Huntelaar is sure to have been buoyed by Schalke’s weekend win against bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund, which threatens to make the Royla Blues and not their neighbours, Bayern Munich’s principal challengers for the Bundesliga title this season.
The Dutch striker has so far scored three goals in the Bundesliga .
