Schalke chief Rouven Schröder has announced they're keen to sign Manchester City defender Ko Itakura.

Itakura has spent this season on-loan at Schalke and can be signed permanently for €4.5m.

“The focus is on the next five games. After that we'll sit down and see what's possible," Schroder told WAZ.

"Regardless of whether he plays in central defence or as the six, he can give the team a lot."

Itakura said earlier this year: "I feel good here and want to play for Schalke in the long term."