According to Bild, Schalke 04 youngster Max Meyer has turned down a new contract with his German club as Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool prepare to battle for the attacker.

What's the story?

Meyer, 21, is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in Germany, with the attacker making more than 150 appearances for Schalke since debuting during the 2012-13 campaign.

The midfielder has made 157 appearances for Schalke over the last four seasons, but a situation has been bubbling due to the fact that he will be out of contract in the summer of 2018.

According to Bild, Meyer has been quoted as telling reporters in Germany that he has turned down a new deal at Schalke, suggesting that he will be sold in this summer's transfer window.

Last summer, Meyer confirmed that Tottenham had made an enquiry over his availability, but it is understood that Liverpool are also in the race ahead of the 2017-18 season.

It is said that Schalke are not prepared to risk losing Meyer on a free transfer next summer, and will accept offers of around the £17m mark in this year's transfer window.

What are Meyer's credentials?

As mentioned, despite only being 21, Meyer has played a lot of first-team football in recent seasons.

The Germany international linked-up with Schalke's youth academy in 2009, and spent three years coming through the system before making his first-team debut in 2013.

He was handed Schalke's number seven shirt at the start of the 2013-14 campaign, and it was during that particular season that he signed a contract extension until the summer of 2018.

The 2016-17 season proved to be disappointing for Meyer, however, as he only managed one Bundesliga goal and one assist in 27 appearances.

There is no doubting that the contract situation would have harmed the 21-year-old last season, and his performances over the last couple of years have shown his incredible potential.

Tottenham and Liverpool will seemingly go head-to-head for the attacker this summer, with the victor purchasing a player that could prove to be a star in the Premier League.