Schalke were reportedly keen to push financial limits to sign Diogo Leite

The 27-year-old was a desired signing for Schalke who were open to pushing their financial limits to get his signature.

Photo: Maja Hitij/Getty Images.

According to sources at Sport BILD, FC Schalke 04 were fully prepared to push their financial limits to sign Diogo Leite.

It's believed the newly promoted Bundesliga club offered the center-back an annual salary of €1.5 million and a signing bonus of €250,000. 

However the Portuguese player, whose contract at 1.FC Union Berlin has expired, is said to have decided against a move to Schalke.

BILD adds that the Royal Blues have set an internal salary cap of €1.5 million – meaning they would have been going all out for Leite. 

Furthermore, instead of a switch to Gelsenkirchen, the left-footed defender is expected to join a Spanish side.

Meanwhile, Schalke have since acted fast and have already signed Maximilian Wöber from Leeds United as an alternative.