Westermann wants to join Schalke - Jermaine Jones in talks
09.03.2007
General manager Andreas Müller today revealed new information regarding two possible transfers as the Royal Blues step up their plans for the new season.
It has been known for some time that Schalke are interested in Arminia Bielefeld's Heiko Westermann. And on Thursday Müller had this to say: "Westermann has opted for Schalke 04 and agreed to join the club." This does not mean the move is a done deal, however, as the coveted central defender is contracted to Bielefeld until 30 June 2008.
"We now have to agree a fee with Arminia Bielefeld", added Müller, who ideally would like to see Westermann make the switch to Gelsenkirchen this summer. If the transfer does come about, the 23-year-old will be handed a four-year deal that will tie him to the Royal Blues until 30 June 2011.
Müller spoke to Bielefeld club secretary Reinhard Saftig about a transfer on Thursday morning. "It's good for both sides to discuss the subject openly. This also applies to Heiko, whose performances have suffered a little in recent weeks as a result of the speculation", added the Schalke general manager, who is convinced of the defender's qualities.
"We've been watching him for quite some time. It isn't the kind of decision we take based on two or three matches. Heiko is 23 years old and has great potential to improve." Commenting to Schalke's negotiating position, Müller said: "I believe we can reach a sensible agreement with Arminia Bielefeld, though we have set ourselves a certain limit.
Another open secret is that the Royal Blues have targeted Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jermaine Jones, whose contract expires this summer. "Schalke 04 are interested in signing him. I can confirm we've met the player and his agent for talks, but nothing has been finalised yet", said Müller.
