Swansea, Schalke & Southampton join race for Veli Kavlak

Swansea, Schalke & Southampton join race for Veli Kavlak [divider]

Swansea, Schalke and Southampton are monitoring Beşiktaş midfielder Veli Kavlak according to reports from Turkey.

The Austrian international’s contract runs out this summer meaning clubs will be able to enter direct talks with the player in January unless Beşiktaş extend his current deal.

Kavlak revealed he is happy at Beşiktaş but refused to talk about his long term future.

“I am not thinking about a transfer right now,” Kavlak said.

“All I am focused on right now is doing well with my team this season, I will talk with the club about my future.”

The 25-year-old midfielder has one year left on his current deal.

Italian giants Napoli are also reported to be keeping tabs on the hardworking central midfielder. Kavlak would be able to play as an EU player were he to move to England, Italy or Germany.

Kavlak was born in Austria but is also a Turkish citizen through his parents.

The 25-year-old joined Beşiktaş for £600,000 from Rapid Vienna in 2011 and has seven goals and 14 assists in 122 appearances for the Black Eagles.

Kavlak was recently called up for the Austrian national team. Austria plays Russia in Vienna next Saturday, and will face Brazil at the same stadium just three days later.

Austria are currently first in Group G, two points ahead of Russia and Sweden.