Schalke and Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to battle over the signature of 1.FC Koln defender Jonas Hector, according to German daily Bild.
The left-back, who earned his first senior Germany cap last year when called up by Joachim Low, has impressed Schalke coach Roberto Di Matteo.
The former Chelsea boss is keen for Schalke to add Hector to his squad for next season, however the Ruhr giants are set to face opposition for the 24-year-old's signature.
Indeed, Hector's progress has been noted in England, where Spurs are looking at taking the left-back to White Hart Lane.
Hector came through the ranks at lower league outfit SV Auersmacher before being snapped up by Koln in 2010.
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He originally turned out for the club's second string, but worked his way into the senior side.
Hector helped Koln win the 2. Bundesliga last term to book a return to the top flight for the club and he has held down a spot in the Bundesliga this season.
Under contract with Koln until 2018, Hector has 27 Bundesliga appearances to his name in the current campaign.
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