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)."
