Schalke say they want to extend the loan of Jonjoe Kenny for another season - as they can't afford to buy the Everton defender.
Kenny, 23, is spending the season with the Bundesliga club and has impressed since making the switch last summer.
Schalke boss David Wagner has today confirmed they want to keep hold of Kenny for next term but admits the would not have the "financial power" to buy him.
"He has done great for us since we signed him on loan. He's a regular starter, he's scored and given assists and he's a great bloke as well," Wagner told Sky Sports.
"He's highly respected in the dressing room and from our supporters.
"It looks like we won't have the financial power to buy him and if Everton like to sell him then we are more or less chanceless.
"We are very keen to keep him at our club, and if there is a chance to extend the loan then obviously we'd like to speak.
"But with all the clubs it's difficult to have conversations because nobody knows how much money we'll have next season and in the summer and this makes it difficult to negotiate anything at the moment."
