HERTHA'S ASAMOAH INTEREST ANGERS SCHALKE

The Ghana-born forward, who now has German citizenship, has overcome a heart problem to forge a successful Bundesliga career, after leaving Hannover 96 for £1 million in 1999.

Hertha coach Jurgen Rober confirmed: "I can imagine Asamoah playing for us."

Schalke believe that the interest is not genuine, with manager Rudi Assauer blasting: "That's impertinent!

"I guess somebody wants to create unrest at our club."

Schalke play Hertha in a crucial match as part of the title run-in on Saturday and Assauer blames Hertha for creating a tense atmosphere ahead of the game.

Assauer has made it clear that Asamoah is not for sale, as he is expected to sign a new contract at Parkstadion within the next few weeks, even though his present deal does not expire until 2003.

The Schalke manager thinks Hertha are looking for retribution after their signing of Hansa Rostock hit-man Victor Agali.

Hertha were the first club to contact Agali in a bid to sign him for next season, and were ready to pay the required £2.5 million fee for the Nigerian international, but Schalke signed him instead for around £3.3 million.

Assauer protested: "They lost a race and now that is their way to react."