Ironically considering the events of the last few days, Sami Khedira has agreed a contract with none other than Schalke 04, though it won't be made official until June.

The German midfielder has already begun counting down his days as a Real Madrid player. His deal at the Bernabéu expires on 30th June, meaning he has been free to talk to other clubs since 1st June according to FIFA regulations. And so he has. With no transfer fee required to prise him away, the 27-year-old has become a very attractive prospect indeed.

There has been no shortage of offers for Khedira and it appears that the anchorman has made his mind up and set his heart on joining the very team who embarrassed Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 second leg. However, at the player's behest, both parties have resolved not to confirm the deal until the end of the season, so a categorical denial of this story would come as no surprise.

Khedira has rejected overtures from the Premier League because of his keenness to move back home to Germany after five years in Spain with Real Madrid. He arrived at the Bernabéu from Stuttgart for €14 million on the strength of his performances at the 2010 World Cup, having been earmarked as a key signing by José Mourinho.

As is common with free agents, Khedira is set to net himself a nice little earner in terms of wages and a signing-on fee. The rival interest from Borussia Dortmund enabled him to secure the best possible terms at Schalke 04, though the two clubs are said to have been riled by his agent negotiating with both at the same time.