Sunday, 20th January, 2013
Tottenham Hotspur are trying to bring forward Lewis Holtby’s move to White Hart Lane, but the midfielder’s current club Schalke are playing hardball.
Holtby’s contract with the Ruhr giants expires at the end of the season and he has penned a pre-contractual agreement to join Spurs in the summer, with the aim of realising a long-held dream of playing in the English Premier League.
But, in the thick of the battle for a top four Champions League spot, Tottenham would like to bring forward Holtby’s transfer, with him joining up this month, for a small fee.
Schalke have rejected their initial proposal though.
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"Tottenham made an offer, which was not acceptable and we have therefore rejected it", Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt was quoted as saying by German daily Bild.
However, speaking after Holtby helped Schalke beat Hannover, with the midfielder providing two assists and scoring once in a standout performance, Heldt hinted a deal can be done, but not on the cheap.
"We will now think about it. But he has definitely not become cheaper today."
And the player himself explained that he is aware negotiations are taking place.
"The clubs are negotiating and my adviser and Horst Heldt are sorting it out."
It is thought that a bid of around €1.5M may be enough to secure Holtby and bring forward his switch to Spurs.
And the odds are on the Germany international being at White Hart Lane before the winter window closes.
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