Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes has admitted he plans to join a Premier League team when he calls time on his career with the Bundesliga side.
The 26-year-old German World Cup winner has been in good form this season for Roberto Di Matteo’s side and has gained interest from a number of clubs, including Premier League duo Man United and Arsenal.
Having joined the club as a youngster, Howedes has played over 260 games but he is considering moving on and is keen on a move to England.
United, who are desperate to improve their defensive options have been strongly linked and having already agreed a move for Mats Hummels in principle; boss Louis van Gaal would seemingly be keen to partner both German internationals together at Old Trafford next season.
Howedes told reporters following Schalke’s 2-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg defeat to Real Madrid on Wedneday: “If I am to leave Schalke one day, I do not want to move clubs within the Bundesliga.
“Schalke is too close to my heart to do so. But a move abroad at a certain time would be worth an experience. England would be my goal.”