Schalke close on Brazilian

Germans prepare bid for midfielder

By Chris Ives   Last updated: 18th October 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Schalke close on Brazilian

Slomka: Transfer targets

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Schalke are set to sign Brazilian midfielder Jose Roberto de Oliveira.

The 26-year-old, often referred to as Ze Roberto II, currently plays for Brazilian outfit Botafogo but Schalke are thought to be closing in on a 3million euros (£2.1million) deal.

Ze Roberto is expected to join Schalke in the January transfer window as coach Mirko Slomka looks to reinforce his squad.

"We are interested in signing him, but as yet nothing is signed," Schalke president Josef Schusenberg told Reviersport.

Ze Roberto, whose contract with Botafogo expires in 2008, has made 65 appearances for the Rio de Janeiro-based side and has scored 18 times.

Kobiashvili

Meanwhile, midfielder Levan Kobiashvili could be out of action for up to eight weeks after tearing a stomach muscle in training.

The Georgian international will not face surgery, but could miss Schalke's remaining group games in the UEFA Champions League.

Defender Gustavo Varela will join Kobiashvili on the sidelines for around four weeks after sustaining a thigh injury.