Schalke finding it difficult to prise Holtby from White Hart Lane

Schalke admit they are finding it difficult to find the funds to prise Lewis Holtby from Tottenham Hotspur during the January window.

The 23-year-old left the Bundesliga club for White Hart Lane last January for just £1.5million, when Spurs took advantage of the fact he was down to the final six months of his contract. However, despite showing glimpses of his quality, he is struggling to establish himself as a regular starter in Tim Sherwood’s midfield selection.

The Tottenham boss is believed to be willing to listen to offers for Holtby during the January transfer window, and his former club are interested in taking him back to Gelsenkirchen. So far, though, talks between the two clubs have failed to find a solution, and it now appears that Die Konigsblauen are on the verge of accepting defeat.

“We can’t really imagine such a transfer financially,” Schalke coach Jens Keller said. “Talks have not yet reached an advanced stage. Lewis has already played as a defensive midfielder under me. He can play there and is tactically very well-schooled.”

Another worry for Spurs is that if they let Holtby join Schalke, this could in turn allow the German side to let Julian Draxler leave for Arsenal. As the two North London clubs are both regular competitors for a top-four Premier League finish, and as the Gunners are competing for the title this season, Spurs would loathe strengthening their rivals, even indirectly.

Holtby has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this season, yet just half of these have come as a starter. It’s a similar situation in the UEFA Europa League, where he has been involved in all six group matches but three of which have been from the bench.

 

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