Di Santo linked with move to Schalke

Werder Bremen striker Franco Di Santo is leaving the Bundesliga club with immediate effect, with reports saying he could be going to Schalke.

The 26-year-old Argentinian has taken up an option in his contract to leave, Bremen said on Saturday.

Bremen's Weser-Kurier daily said Di Santos was set to sign a four-year contract with Schalke.

Werder chief executive Thomas Eichin told the local Syker Kreiszeitung daily that he had been in contact with Schalke general manager Horst Heldt about the player.

A buy-out clause in the striker's contract allows him to leave for a fee of six million euros ($A9 million), according to Kicker sports magazine.

Reports said Bremen had offered Di Santos, who arrived from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer in August 2013, a new contract deal.