According to German sports magazine <i>Kicker</i>, Schalke 04 had explored the possibility of loaning out Sidney Sam&nbsp; in the January transfer window. <br /><br />The Germany international had been offered to several teams, but the leadership of the <span style="" class="notranslate">Gelsenkirchen - based outfit failed to get a favorable response.</span><br /><br />Injury has blighted his progress at Schalke 04 since switching from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer market.<br /><br />Since the start of this season, Sidney Sam has appeared only nine times in the Bundesliga out of a possible 20.<br /><br />The 27 - year - old has a valid contract with Scahlke 04 until the summer of 2018.<br /><br /><span style="" class="notranslate"><span class="st"><span class="notranslate">Photo Credit: uefa.com</span></span></span><br />