Schalke: Draxler going nowhere

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has denied suggestions Julian Draxler is on the verge of a €45 million move to Wolfsburg.

German media reported that the 21-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter when he was substituted off in his side’s 3-0 defeat at Wolfsburg on Saturday, before asking his team-mates how he would look in a Wolfsburg shirt.

But Heldt has refuted those claims, insisting the Germany international will remain in Gelsenkirchen this season.

“Both Julian and Andre were more surprised than anyone to hear these reports,” Heldt told the club website. 

“Julian has vehemently denied having uttered anything even remotely like that.

“As for Andre and the handshake, it was a very normal gesture after a substitution. Also, he had no "tears in his eyes", as was reported." 

Wolfsburg are said to have identified Draxler as the ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who is on the verge of a Bundesliga record €75m switch to Manchester City. 

Italian champions Juventus have already seen multiple bids for Draxler turned down this summer but are said to still be hoping to bring him in before the transfer window closes next week.