Schalke are eyeing a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Michal Karbownik but can’t afford the Seagulls’ €3m demands at present.
That’s according to WAZ, who say they have identified the 22-year-old as an option as they look to find a new left-back for their squad.
The newspaper has learned that Schalke are looking at a deal for Karbownik, who spent last season on loan with Fortuna Düsseldorf.
They had an option to buy the player at the end of that deal for a €3m fee but decided to let that clause expire in the hope of doing a deal for a lower price.
That hasn’t happened and Brighton are still demanding that figure be met if they are to sell Karbownik this summer.
Schalke aren’t interested in a permanent deal, despite Brighton wanting to sell, and are only interested in a loan deal for the defender. They would be happy to include an option to buy or an obligation to buy in the event of promotion to the Bundesliga.
However, under no circumstances do they want to spend €3m on the player, despite their need for a new left-back and him fitting the bill nicely.
They may need to move quickly, though, as Fortuna remain in the mix and there are also enquiries from Greece and Turkey.
At the moment it is ‘all a matter of price’ with none of the interested parties wanting to meet Brighton’s figure.
