According to Sky Germany, Schalke 04 hope to make current loanee Ko Itakura a permanent signing but face competition from fellow Bundesliga outfits Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg.
Itakura (25) has played an integral part in Schalke’s promotion to the Bundesliga and now have the chance to sign the loanee from Manchester City for €5.5m. City are also keen on a deal for the Japanese international.
It’s reported that Schalke are working on a deal with the English champions but would first need to sell in order to raise funds.
Sky report that S04 hope to be able to sell current players who are out on loan including Ozan Kabak (Norwich City), Can Bozdogan (Besiktas) and Rabbi Matondo (Cercle Brugge).
Failing to do so, Schalke might have to face Itakura lining up against them next season in the Bundesliga.
