Schalke have confirmed that they are in contract talks with Lewis Holtby, a man who is keen on turning out in England.
Holtby has figured prominently on Premier League radars in recent times, with the Germany Under-21 international known to have followed in the footsteps of his English father by becoming an Everton fan.
A possible switch to Goodison Park has been mooted, with the 22-year-old's current deal with Schalke due to expire at the end of the season.
The Bundesliga outfit are reluctant to part with a midfielder of considerable promise, though, and are hoping extension discussions will produce a positive outcome.
"I cannot predict what the result of the contract talks with Lewis Holtby will be, I can only confirm that we are going to discuss a new deal," Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told kicker-Sportmagazin.
On his future, Holtby has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League at some stage in his career, but has refused to speculate on when that might be.
"I am just keen to focus on football for the time being," he said.
"I have English roots and have been a keen follower of the Premier League for a long time. It's true that I would like to play in that league one day."
