Khedira is out of contract with the Spanish giants in the summer, while German World Cup winner Howedes has been linked with a move to the Premier League at the end of the season.

But executive chairman Toennies insists he would be the first to know about a potential move for the defender.

Having spent his entire career at Schalke, the 27-year-old Howedes has a release clause in his contract, which expires in June 2017, and has also been linked to Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal.

“I am very close to Benedikt Howedes and if there was anything in it, then I would be the first to know about it,” Toennies told Sport1. “I won’t assume that anything has been agreed.”

Khedira is one of Real Madrid’s top earners and his contract expires at the end of the season.

He confirmed last month that he will leave the Spanish giants at the end of the current campaign, but has not revealed his plans.

“I have a big opinion of Sami Khedira, because he is a leader and can encourage a team,” Toennies added.

“He is incredibly well-regarded in the national team and we have talked several times.

“Now it’s the task of (Schalke team manager) Horst Heldt and his advisers to find an acceptable solution.”