In demand Max Meyer turns down latest Schalke contract offer as he approaches end of deal

Coveted | Meyer has been linked with several top European sides
Bongarts/Getty Images
James Benge28 February 2018

In-demand midfielder Max Meyer has rejected the offer of a new contract from Schalke as he approaches the end of his current deal.

Germany international Meyer is out of contract at the end of the season and had previously rejected a first offer in 2017.

Meyer is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement and has been linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs, with the German press claiming both Arsenal and Barcelona hold an interest in the 22-year-old.

Tottenham have a long-standing interest in Meyer, who they first identified as a target back in 2016.

However they are unlikely to be the only sides keen on Meyer if Schalke’s attempts to get him to sign a new deal continue to fall on deaf ears.

“Max Meyer's agents, on January 12, received an offer limited until February 15, and on February 15 informed us via email that Max has turned down the offer because of the time limit,” sporting director Christian Heidel told Der Westen.

“We duly noted it and for now are not bound by it. This does not mean that he will not prolong his contract.”

Meyer watches on during Schalke's game against Hoffenheim 
Bongarts/Getty Images

Meyer has become a crucial component of Domenico Tedesco’s Schalke side, currently third in the Bundesliga and on course for Champions League qualification as they vie with five other teams for three spots.

However Schalke are ready to plan without Meyer if he continues to reject their offers.

“If Max Meyer approaches us and says he wants to continue playing for Schalke, that's wonderful,” Heidel added in a separate interview with SportBild. “But we can't and won't wait for much longer.”

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