Schalke 04 reveal interest in Ajax Amsterdam’s Maarten Stekelenburg – Dutch Eredivisie news
Reports confirm that Schalke 04 have revealed interest in signing Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maarten-Stekelenburg-c22998, in the upcoming summer transfer market. The German Bundesliga outfit are looking to sign a new gloves-man for the upcoming season and have
set their sights on the Dutch International. Die knappen’s search for a new shot-stopper comes in the wake of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-c23383 Neuer’s imminent transfer to Bayern Munich at the end of the season.
Die Knappen sporting director, Horst Heldt, sees Stekelenburg as a perfect replacement for Neuer. Heldt said, “Stekelenburg is the shot-stopper of Netherlands' national team for a good reason, and his contract with Ajax runs [for] only one more season.”
The 28-year-old goalkeeper is a product of the Amsterdammers’ famous youth academy. He has made 191 appearances for his club since starting his career in 2001/02 season. His superb performances this season have attracted interests from a host of top European
clubs including the likes of Manchester United and AC Milan. Many believe that Stekelenburg would be replacing Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford at the end of the season, but the Red Devils are yet to contact the Amsterdammers for the player’s signature.
Frank de Boer, Ajax manager, also suggested recently that the highly-rated gloves man could move away from Amsterdam Arena at the end of the season. Moreover, Stekelenburg also showed his desire to leave the club in the summer to pursue his career at a higher
level.
Die Knappen would have to face stiff competition for Stekelenburg’s signature, as Manchester United, AC Milan, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus FC all are believed to be keeping tabs on the 28-year-old goalkeeper. Moreover, the Dutch International
had reportedly revealed that he wants to play at Emirates Stadium with Arsenal FC next season.
With such stiff competition, it seems like that Die Knappen have to spend in the region of €15 million to lure Stekelenburg to Veltins-Arena for the upcoming season.
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