Huntelaar keeps Schalke guessing

Schalke coach Huub Stevens says striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is still stalling on signing a new contract.

Huntelaar’s current deal at the Bundesliga club expires next summer and with Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus circling, the Dutchman has been reluctant to sign a new deal at Schalke, saying he wants time to see which direction the club is going before committing himself.

“Obviously it is a controversial topic and is looking to stay like that for quite a while,” Stevens said on Thursday.

“When are talking about Klaas-Jan, we are not talking about any money issues or something in his contract.

“He wants to see how the club is developing. We all do.

“For the moment I do not see an end of the discussion but I am positive that we can figure something out with him.

“(But) I cannot promise anything.

“It takes time. We have all the calm we need, just like with Jefferson Farfan. And as you know – he stayed.”

Stevens said he was pleased with the dedication shown by Huntelaar’s compatriot Ibrahim Afellay as he attempts to fit into the side.

The attacking midfielder, who made his debut as a substitute in the win over Augsburg, is on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

Stevens expects Afellay’s output to keep rising as Schalke clash with newly promoted Greuther Furth this weekend.

“There are still moments when he isn’t quite on the same wavelength,” Stevens said.

“But I would say that elite players can quickly sort that out.

“I think about two weeks ago I said that he’s still learning the language, but it’s certainly starting to click on the pitch, which is fantastic.

“That’s what I expect from good players and what Ibrahim expects from himself.”