In a possible transfer blow for Rangers, Ibrox-linked Schalke goalkeeper Martin Fraisl has hinted that he would like to extend his deal there [Spox].
Earlier this week, the Daily Mail claimed that both the Gers and Premier League club Norwich City were monitoring Fraisl.
He only joined Schalke in the summer on a one-year contract after a stint in the Eredivisie with ADO Den Haag and he has been in strong form recently, playing 14 2. Bundesliga matches in a row and keeping five clean sheets.
On Wednesday, the German club’s sporting director Rouven Schroder claimed that there were no plans for “concrete contract talks” with Fraisl “in the near future” [Scottish Sun].
However, it seems that the player himself sees a future at Schalke beyond the end of the season.
“I feel very, very comfortable at Schalke and like the people in and around the club,” he said [Spox] (translated). “I like the Schalke mentality a lot. I can well imagine a contract extension.”
“In general, I have a clear career plan. Before I met my wife, only my mother knew what to do next. Now my wife is also in the know.
“I only ever speak publicly about my career steps as soon as I have achieved them. But when you play in the second division with Schalke, you can imagine what my next big goal is.”
It appears that the 28-year-old is targeting a step up to the German top flight and given that Schalke are only two points behind current leaders Darmstadt, promotion at the end of the season is a genuine possibility.
Given that a key attraction for Rangers was allegedly that Fraisl would be available on a free, a contract extension would likely kill off any interest.
That could be good news for current third-choice Gers keeper Robby McCrorie, who’ll be hoping for a promotion if veteran Allan McGregor hangs up his gloves.
