Premier League clubs have been alerted to the possible availability of Schalke 04's Benedikt Howedes after the defender's contract talks stalled.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest in the Germany international over the past year.
That interest could now lead to a potential move after Howedes's initial talks over a contract extension were put on hold until the end of the season, according to talkSPORT.
Schalke are desperate to get the 24-year-old, who is rated as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, to sign a new deal.
Howedes, who has made 195 appearances for the German side, was made captain of Schalke in 2011.
