Schalke keen to keep Huntelaar

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt is hopeful star striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will sign a new contract with the club.

The Netherlands international only has one year to run on his existing deal with the Bundesliga side and has been linked with a number of top European clubs in recent months, including Manchester United.

However, Heldt is optimistic Schalke will not be forced to cash in on their most prized asset before the start of the new season.

“He knows we want to extend his contract and I can very well imagine that happening,” the former Germany international told RevierSport.

“We already spoke a lot with him about it ahead of the European Championship. The talks with him and his management were very clear, so I see no need to push things now.”

Huntelaar arrived in Gelsenkirchen from AC Milan in 2010 and has since re-established his reputation as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.