Schalke fending off 1.FC Köln in battle for TSV Hartberg gem Elias Havel | OneFootball

According to reports in the 'Kurier' newspaper, FC Schalke 04 has entered the race for highly rated talent Elias Havel. 

Furthermore, the Royal Blues are believed to be in pole position to sign the former Austrian U-21 international from TSV Hartberg.

The sixth-placed team has already exercised its €300,000 purchase option for the on-loan Linzer AK player to make him a permanent fixture.

However, Hartberg intends to sell the 23-year-old on for a lucrative fee exactly a year before his contract expires.

As a result, it's rumoured that Hartberg is hoping to profit from a new record transfer; the current record stands at €1.3million.

Bundesliga side 1.FC Köln are also reportedly interested in Havel, who scored 16 goals and provided 4 assists in 33 matches this season. 

However, the Gelsenkirchen outfit have apparently overtaken the Cathedral City club in the negotiations for the young striker.