Schalke have confirmed star striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is no closer to signing a new deal at Veltins Arena.
The Dutch forward has entered the final year of his contract and he will be free to talk to interested clubs come January transfer window.
The Bundesliga side are doing their best to persuade the player to renew his contract, but sporting director Horst Heldt admits the negotiations are not progressing as expected.
“The proposed contract extension of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remains one of the hottest issues around,” Heldt told Sport Bild. “We are still unable to finalise any concrete schedule with regard to it.”
Given the circumstances, Schalke chairman Clemens Tonnies is adamant the club will not be caught unguarded if the player opts against signing a new deal.
“It’s our obligation not to go for broke in this affair. We also have to make sure we are aware of alternative solutions, just if it comes to the worst of all.”
After scoring 29 goals in 32 Bundesliga games last season, Huntelaar demanded the team to be reinforced in order to extend his contract, but despite the club chiefs granting his desire, the Dutchman is still pondering his future.
The 29-year-old has scored 2 goals in 5 Bundesliga games this term, while also netting in the Champions League match against Olympiakos.
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