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Swiss star Tranquillo Barnetto keen on Crystal Palace move
SWISS midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta is keen on a move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
Barnetta wants to leave Schalke in order to play more regularly and reports in Switzerland suggest that Crystal Palace have enquired about bringing in the 28-year-old winger.
According to Blick Barnetta favours a move to England ahead of a transfer to Serie A clubs Parma, Sassuolo and Chievo despite holding Italian citizenship through his father.
Barnetta only joined Schalke on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, signing a three-year contract, but has grown frustrated with the role of substitute at the Veltins-Arena after starting only two games in the Bundesliga last term.
Barnetta recently told Sport-BILD weekly: "I am under contract with Schalke until 2015.
"But I have not been playing that regularly and, if I feel I will not have a greater chance of regular first-team appearances, I will have to discuss my future with the club. This is a fact."
However, the players wages could act as a barrier to any move.
Barnetta reportedly earns over £50,000-a-week at Schalke and would have to take at least a 20 per cent pay cut to join Palace.
It is possible that Ian Holloway could negotiate a deal - either permanent or on loan - that would see Schalke continue to play part of Barnetta's salary but it remains possible that player stays in Germany despite his unhappiness unless a compromise can be reached.