Schalke have confirmed an interest in signing defender Felipe Santana from arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
The Brazilian, who scored the dramatic winning goal for Dortmund against Malaga in this season's Champions League quarter-final second leg, is under contract until June 2014.
He has found it difficult to break into the first team and maintain a regular place, due to the presence of Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic.
With Christoph Metzelder announcing his retirement this week, Schalke have been looking for a viable replacement and general manager Horst Heldt believes Santana is the man.
Speaking to German newspaper Reviersport, Heldt said: "We are interested in signing this player (Felipe Santana)."
Reports have suggested Santana could be available for around ?1million, but Heldt will not pursue a move until the season is over.
Santana could feature in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on the weekend, due to the injury to Mats Hummels who picked up a knock on Saturday.
Heldt added: "Due to the circumstances, his current club still have matches to play. We will not reveal or confirm anything in this matter. We fully respect this club (Dortmund)."
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets to welcome home the Bantams, who triumphed 3-0 in Saturday's League Two play-off final against Northampton.
Bradford Council leader David Green said: "I'm confident Bradford city centre will be rocking.
"I think the fans have demonstrated their 110% commitment to the club, not just this season but through the years. We're expecting tens of thousands of people."
Bradford Council had considered an open-top bus tour following the club's historic Capital One Cup final appearance in February, but at the club's request put the offer on hold to allow Phil Parkinson's side to focus on reaching the play-offs.
