Tekpetey set for Rheindorf Altach medical after Schalke extension

Schalke 04 youngster Bernard Tekpetey is all but set to seal a one-year loan move to Austrian side Rheindorf Altach on Friday, Goal can reveal.

The Ghana international is expected to touch down in Austria on Thursday, a day after renewing his Schalke contract until 2020.

Schalke are yet to announce the new deal nor Friday’s proposed switch to Altach but Goal sources can confirm.

“Bernard signed a new two-year contract on Wednesday, paving way for him to go out on loan,” a source told Goal .

“He touches down in Austria on Thursday, but judging by his arrival time and Altach’s Europa League clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv on the same day, he will likely have his medical on Friday, after which he will sign a loan deal.

“There were offers for an outright purchase but Schalke preferred the loan option, as he is highly rated at the club.”

Tekpetey is keen on securing regular playing time elsewhere following limited playing opportunities at the Veltins-Arena.

Having joined the Royal Blues in February 2016, the 19-year-old made only two Bundesliga appearances last season.

The Black Star, who was on the radar of Hamburg as well as Bundesliga 2 side VfL Bochum, also had a 90 minutes outing in a 2-0 triumph over Nice in the Europa League last campaign.

A surprise inclusion in Ghana’s squad at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, the starlet has two senior caps to his name.

Altach finished fourth in the Austrian topflight last season, securing a ticket to the Europa League where they host Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel in the final playoffs on Thursday.