Schalke join chase for Islam Slimani

Bundesliga outfit Schalke are believed to be readying summer bid for Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani, A Bola can reveal.

The Miners are on the lookout for a centre forward as they lack cover for star player Klaas Jan Huntelaar and the Algeria star is one of the first names on their wish list.

Schalke boss Roberto Di Matteo has been reportedly impressed with the 26-year-old footballer and will attempt to lure him to Veltins Arena in the summer.

That is not going to be an easy task though given that the likes of Leicester City, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart are also keen.

Slimani has largely impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Belouizdad, bagging 17 goals in 24 league starts.

The highly rated forward has become a key member of the Algerian national team and has so far scored 14 goals in 32 appearances for Les Fennecs.