Schalke keep hold of defender Kolasinac

FC Schalke 04 have extended the contract of Sead Kolasinac until summer 2017.

The defender, who turned 20 last week, has added two years to his previous deal, which was due to expire in 2015. Kolasinac established himself in the Royal Blues' first team last term, playing in 14 of the 17 Bundesliga matches after the winter break and featuring in both legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Galatasaray AŞ.

"Over the months he continuously improved and became a regular starter in the second half of the season," said Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt. "He managed this because he is a focused player with great mentality, which is exactly what we need here at Schalke."

Kolasinac, a non-playing member of the Germany squad which failed to get out of their group at the recent UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Israel, made his league debut as a substitute last September.

"I'm happy that the club have put its trust in me and will do so in the future," he said. "The decision to sign an early extension was not difficult, because I have felt well at home at Schalke from the first day on."

Schalke enter the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League at the play-off stage, the draw for which takes place on 9 August.