Heldt: Schalke won't rush Huntelaar over contract extension

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt is willing to give Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as long as he needs to mull over signing a new contract with the club.

The Netherlands international only has a year to run on his current deal and has previously been linked with a plethora of top European clubs, including Manchester United.

Huntelaar stated recently that he has little desire in leaving Gelsenkirchen in the final phase of the transfer window and Heldt sees no reason to rush the striker into a decision over an extension.

"We will meet again soon and then talk more specifically about the contents of contracts," he is quoted as saying by Der Westen.

"It is clear that Klaas-Jan feels comfortable here, but if he still needs time to make his decision, then we will give him that time.

"For us it is important that he extends out of a clear conviction. We, as a club, can offer him a lot."

Schalke have made just two significant signings during their summer break, Roman Neustadter and Tranquillo Barnetta, and Heldt explained that the club are determined to avoid squandering money on players.

"It is our responsibility to set the club up so that it's also doing well in 10 years' time," he stated.

"However, we are constantly striving to better establish ourselves. That process has already begun with the the contract extension for Jefferson Farfan.

"After Jeff seemed to be almost gone, now he is like a new signing for us."

Schalke finished third in the Bundesliga last season and also reached the last eight of the Europa League.