Schalke sign Szalai as Huntelaar back-up

Bundesliga side Schalke 04 have signed Hungary striker Adam Szalai from German league rivals Mainz as back up for Dutch star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and to boost their squad for next season’s Champions League campaign.

“He is with us for medical checks, we have agreed with Mainz and will be exchanging the final contracts,” said Schalke manager Horst Heldt.

Szalai is set to train separately today as the team begin pre-season preparations, including an August play-off to reach the Champions League main draw.

The 25-year-old is reported to have cost Schalke eight million euros ($10.4 million, £6.8 million) and the Royal Blues are excited to add some depth to their squad.

“Adam has an incredibly good mentality, he is quick and greedy, with a good goal rate,” said Heldt.

“We haven’t been able to replace Klaas-Jan Huntelaar adequately in the previous season when he was injured and we are taking the next step with Szalai.

“Competition is important.”

Schalke are also in talks with Fulham’s Germany international Sascha Riether, who can play either at right-back or on the right-side of midfield and made the last of his two international appearances in 2010.

“He can imagine coming to us,” said Heldt.

Schalke are also trying to lure 18-year-old midfielder Leon Goretzka from VfL Bochum.

The teenager wants to action a release clause in his contract and join Schalke, but Bochum want more than the 2.8 million euros stipulated in his contract and the matter threatens to go to court.