Schalke shun Poulsen bid

Schalke have rejected an approach from Villarreal for Christian Poulsen.

Villarreal are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a campaign in the UEFA Champions League and made an enquiry for Poulsen.

The Spanish side's bid for the Dane, though, was dismissed out of hand by Schalke, who are reluctant to lose the midfielder.

Poulsen only has 12 months remaining on his contract but Schalke feel Villarreal's offer falls way below their own valuation of the player.

"The negotiations went in such a way that they did not enter into our conditions," said Schalke team manager Andreas Muller.

"We referred a clear position regarding a transfer fee and left no large flexibility in negotiations.

"Villarreal were very far from it."

Poulsen is believed to be disappointed by Schalke's decision as he is keen to transfer his talents to La Liga.

But Schalke are hoping to offset Poulsen's downbeat mood by handing the midfielder a new contract.