Kyriakos Papadopoulos extends Schalke 04 contract

Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos has extended his contract with Schalke 04.

The centre-back agreed to remain with the Bundesliga outfit until 2016 in a move that dispels speculation linking him with a big-money move elsewhere.

"I feel very well in Schalke and look forward to playing for the club for many years to come," Papadopoulos said in a statement.

Zenit St Petersburg made a firm offer for the 20-year-old over the summer, and a host of other top European sides have been linked with a bid.

Papadopoulos helped Schalke lift the German Cup and reach the Champions League semi-finals last season.