Schalke gives Juventus permission to negotiate terms with Julian Draxler

FC Schalke 04 has accepted a request from Juventus to speak with one of Germany's budding superstars about a possible move to Italy.

Schalke general manager Horst Heldt confirmed that the Serie A outfit reached out to the German team and will begin negotiating terms with midfielder Julian Draxler, although a transfer fee hasn't been agreed upon.

"Juventus made a written request to be allowed to negotiate with Julian's agent, and we have agreed to it," Heldt told German publication Bild, courtesy of ESPNFC. "We have not yet received an actual offer from Turin, though."

A fee agreement between the teams should follow if Juve is able to successfully negotiate a contract with the 21-year-old.

Deciding on a fee may be a lengthy process, as Bild reports the two clubs remain €10 million apart: Juventus is believed to be prepared to offer €25 million, while Schalke won't accept less than €35 million.

The German publication also reports that a €45-million release clause in Draxler's contract doesn't apply, as it expired July 1.

Juventus shouldn't have a problem meeting Schalke's asking price after Arturo Vidal's reported transfer to Bayern Munich is complete, as the Italians are expected to collect €37 million.

Draxler could become the team's fifth signing of the summer following the acquisitions of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira, and Neto.

The German international will hope for better luck in the Italian league after suffering a series of devastating injuries over the past year.

When healthy, Draxler is capable of using his immense football skills to take over matches and orchestrate scoring chances that wreak havoc on opposing defences.