Bayern monitoring Huntelaar as Schalke scramble to extend deal

Mar 26, 2012 9:15:00 AM

The Bavarian giants are among a number of teams that are keeping tabs on the Netherlands international, but Schalke are willing to spend heavily to hold on to their star striker

EXCLUSIVE
Nikolai Mende & Francois Duchateau

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has caught the attention of Bayern Munich with his impressive performances for the Gelsenkirchen club this term, Goal.com has learned.

The Dutchman has been in superb form in the 2011-12 campaign and has already netted 40 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Huntelaar has a contract with Schalke until the summer of 2013 and the Bundesliga outfit are determined to hold on to the attacker beyond the expiry date of his current deal.

While the situation of Raul has caused quite a stir as of late, Schalke bosses Horst Heldt and Clemens Tonnies have made it clear that Huntelaar is their first priority, having offered the striker a reported €8 million per season to extend his stay. Goal.com understands that the magnitude of the Konigsblauen's offer is sparked by concern over the possibility of Bayern swooping to sign their star striker.

The Bavarians meanwhile are eager to add a second high-profile forward to their squad in the summer transfer window alongside Mario Gomez, with chairman Uli Hoeness having vowed to sign a "bomb" striker. And Huntelaar is one of the candidates to strengthen FCB ahead of the 2012-13 campaign.

Additionally, Goal.com can confirm that clubs from both Serie A and the Premier League have also enquired about the striker's availability.

Although interest is high in Huntelaar, there are many barriers to his potential transfer. The prospect of playing Champions League football at Schalke, as well as his status as the team's star player, and the faith shown in him by coach Huub Stevens make Huntelaar lean towards a prolonged stay at the Veltins-Arena.

Additionally, the striker sees it as major plus that Gelsenkirchen is relatively close to Netherlands, allowing him to continue travelling back and forth between his native country and his club.

Schalke consequently expect to wrap up negotiations before the start of the European Championships this summer.

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