by Alex Shaw
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be available for as little as £17m after Schalke general manager Horst Heldt confirmed the striker has a buy-out clause.
Huntelaar, who has been on Manchester United’s radar in the past, scored 29 in 32 Bundesliga matches this season as Schalke finished third.
Spells at Real Madrid and AC Milan proved to be underwhelming for Huntelaar and he scored a measly eight in 20 La Liga appearances while at the Bernabeu.
He has returned to the form of his Ajax days – he netted 76 in 92 league games for them – now he’s at Schalke and his goalscoring prowess has led to rumours he could be on the move.
While United have a long-standing interest, the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal have also been keen on the 28-year-old in the past.
And Heldt says if a club triggers the €20m release clause – around £17m by today’s exchange rate – then Huntelaar could leave.
“Huntelaar does have a €20 million buyout clause, and the rich club can afford it,” Heldt told Bild.
“But, Klaas Jan has always stressed that he wants to be a champion. This he can be only with Real or Barcelona in Spain.
“I do not think he wants to go there. What would he do there? Since nothing more than the weather is better.”
