Schalke will offer Leon Goretzka wages of £200,000-a-week in order to convince the midfielder to pledge his long-term future to the club, reports German outlet Kicker.
The 22-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his existing deal and will be free to discuss a Bosman transfer with foreign clubs in January, leading to fears Schalke will lose their best player.
Schalke have already succeeded in reducing their wage bill this summer following the departures of Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Benedikt Howedes and Sidney Sam but are willing to make a huge exception for Goretzka.
Bayern Munich are reportedly hopeful of snapping up the Germany international on a free next summer but Schalke are willing to make him the best-paid player in the club’s history.
In the last three Bundesliga campaigns, Goretzka has won possession in the middle third more times than any other player (234).
