Lewis Holtby favours switch to Tottenham over Arsenal

The Germany international is out of contract in the summer

Lewis Holtby’s preference is for a club offering European football (AP)

Lewis Holtby is expected to make a straight choice between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal this month, with a decision imminent following his club Schalke's departure for warm weather training in Qatar.

The Germany international midfielder, who has an English father, has been courted by a number of English clubs, with Spurs and Arsenal the leading contenders, and of those two it would appear that Spurs are the most likely destination. Holtby, 22, is out of contract at Schalke in the summer and the club have made public his intention not to sign a new deal.

There has been a firm offer from Liverpool, who were the first Premier League club to show real interest. There have also been informal enquiries from Everton. It is Holtby's preference that he plays for a club with a guarantee of European competition. Internazionale and Valencia have also made enquiries but it is Holtby's long-held plan to come to England. He is quoted as saying that he "wouldn't even rule out Liverpool, even if it would be tough for my dad – he's an Everton fan".

He could move this month but the greater likelihood is he will sign a pre-contract agreement and then move in the summer. He is due to represent Germany at the Under-21 European Championship in Israel and is keen to play regular football until then in order to stay in contention. Although there have been hints at interest from Bayern Munich, the player is understood to be set on a move that will give him first-team football immediately.