Report: Villarreal seeking a deal to sign Amine Harit
Europa League champions Villarreal are said to be the leading club in the chase for Schalke 04 midfileder Amine Harit.
The reports come from Spanish media outlet Marca via Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reported yesterday that Villarreal had opened negotiations with Schalke over a possible transfer for the Moroccan midfielder.
However, this is not the first time that Harit has been subject to interest from Villarreal, as in the January transfer window the Spanish side came in with an offer late in the day, but a suitable agreement could not be reached and the midfielder stayed with Die Königsblauen for the rest of the season.
Harit stated his desire to sign for the Villarreal when they made the offer to sign him but was left frustrated after not being able to complete the move to the Spanish side.
Schalke's relegation to the 2. Bundesliga has amplified the Moroccan's desire to leave the VELTINS-Arena this summer, and Schalke will have to listen to offers for the midfielder following the potential of a points deduction being hit on the club after their poor economic performance.
SportBILD reported earlier in the week that Schalke would be willing to listen to offers around the region of €15m, having signed the player for a bargain €8m in 2017 from Ligue 1 side Nantes. Harit has a contract that runs through to 2024, however, it looks a certainty that Harit will join many others in leaving the Gelsenkirchen-based outfit.