Schalke close in on Clemens

German newspaper Bild is reporting that Schalke are set to sign FC Koln midfielder Christian Clemens.

While it is still not clear whether coach Jens Keller will be replaced at the end of the season, the Miners are already searching for playing reinforcements.

According to Bild, the Veltins Arena outfit are on the verge of securing their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The same source has learnt that Schalke manager Horst Heldt met with Koln midfielder Christian Clemens and his representatives on Tuesday with a view of luring the player to Veltins Arena.

With the footballer’s contract at Koln set to expire in June 2014, he is likely to be available for €3 million in the summer.

Given that the figure is well within Schalke’s price range, there is every chance the 21-year-old will be joining the Miners in the summer.

Clemens has spent his entire career up to date at Koln, scoring 12 goals in 88 league appearances for the club.