Schalke 04 chief hits out at Bayern Munich over Leon Goretzka talk

Schalke 04 sporting director Christian Heidel has accused Bayern Munich of 'fuelling the speculation' surrounding star midfielder Leon Goretzka's future.

The Germany international is one of the most in-demand players on the continent right now, having entered the final stages of his Veltins-Arena contract.

Bayern have been most strongly linked with the 22-year-old's signature, while Liverpool, Juventus and Barcelona are also said to have made contact.

Unlike their counterparts, though, the Bundesliga champions have spoken publicly about their interest in Goretzka, which has left Heidel particularly unhappy.

"Bayern say Leon is a player of Schalke, but talk more about a player of Schalke than about their own [players]," he told German outlet Bild.

"As a result, [the transfer rumours are] fuelled again and again. We do not have to hear every day from the people of Munich how good the player is."

Goretzka has scored six goals in 12 senior appearances for Germany, playing a key part in his national side's victorious Confederations Cup campaign last summer.