体坛英语新闻：Lewis Holtby leaves Schalke at the end of the season

BERLIN, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- German international midfielder Lewis Holty rejected Schalke04's offer to extend his expiring contract with the "Royal Blues", the club said on its official homepage on Friday.

After Klaas Jan Huntelaar's contract extension, Schalke suffered their first setback as Holtby rejected the clubs offer to extend his contract that runs out on June 30, 2013.

"We had thought Lewis would like to stay with Schalke at the end of the season, but he has taken a personal decision and we respect that," sporting director Horst Heldt said in a release.

Holtby is linked to a number of Premier League clubs, mainly Everton and Liverpool. His father is from England and it is his dream to play in the Premier League.

"We are assured that Lewis will give his best until the last match day of the campaign to make his contribution to the clubs success," Heldt said.

Holtby had a successful 2010-2011 season on loan with Mainz before returning the "Royal Blues", making 53 appearances and scoring goals from 2009 to 2012.