Schalke sporting director Rouven Schroder has provided an update on Rangers-linked Martin Fraisl’s future [Scottish Sun].
Earlier this week, the Daily Mail claimed that both the Gers and Premier League club Norwich City were monitoring the goalkeeper.
Schalke only snapped him up in the summer following a spell at ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands but he’s established himself in their team in recent months, playing 14 Bundesliga 2. matches in a row and keeping five clean sheets.
The transfer report suggested that the Gers, the Canaries and a number of other unnamed European clubs are looking at the Austrian as a potential free transfer signing at the end of the season when his one-year deal expires.
Of course, he’ll only be available for nothing if he doesn’t sign an extension at some point over the next few months.
Schalke director drops update on Rangers-linked Fraisl
Fortunately for those said to be interested, according to Schroder, the German club aren’t planning on opening negotiations any time soon.
“With specific regards to Martin Fraisl – he’s doing an excellent job,” he said [Scottish Sun].
“We’re monitoring his situation closely, but our focus is currently on day-to-day business and therefore, there will not be any concrete contract talks with him in the near future.”
If Rangers do want to swoop, there’s clearly an opportunity to do so, at least for now.
Whether they do or don’t may have a lot to do with Allan McGregor.
The 40-year-old current Ibrox no.1 is out of contract at the end of the season and is likely to retire but nothing has been confirmed yet.
If he opts to keep playing and there’s a deal there for him, there’ll be no need for a new recruit like Fraisl, so the veteran needs to make his intentions clear to the club soon if he hasn’t already.
Whether or not Rangers move for Fraisl could also be an indication of their confidence or lack of it in an Academy graduate.
