Everton could get Schalke midfielder Matthew Hoppe for as little as €4.5m this summer, with the German club in need of funds.
That’s according to BILD, who say the Toffees face competition from Russia and the Netherlands for the USA forward.
Hoppe has been linked with a move to Everton over the last few days, with claims that talks have been opened over a deal worth around €2m.
That seemed a low figure given BILD reported earlier this month that Schalke would want at least €8m for their man if he were to leave.
That’s a price they’re sticking to, say BILD today, although it would be a ‘real coup’ if they were to get such a figure. Instead, a deal worth around €4.5m would actually be a ‘good deal’ for the Germans.
That’s because Schalke are ‘desperate’ to sell so they can avoid a six-point deduction due to their current debt, which is €217m.
Fortunately for them, there is interest in their man, with Everton, Ajax, PSV and AZ Alkmaar, as well as an unnamed Russian side, all keen on the striker.
Hoppe, for his part, is currently reintroducing himself to the Schalke squad slowly after returning from the Gold Cup at the beginning of the month.
He only completed his first individual training yesterday after being missing several weeks with gastrointestinal problems, according to the club.
It’s felt there’s an unwillingness to throw him in, though, as the club and player don’t want him to pick up an injury and jeopardise a transfer with the likes of Everton lurking.
