Arsenal & Man Utd target closer to Bayern
Manuel Neuer looks increasingly likely to spend next season at Bayern Munich after Germany's best selling newspaper Bild reported that the biggest club in the Bundesliga have submitted an improved offer in the region of £18.3 million for the Schalke shot-stopper.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper confirmed earlier this year that he wouldn't be signing an extension to the current contract at his hometown side that expires next summer, and it is anticipated that the Champions League semi-finalists will cash in at the end of the season rather than let his deal run out.
A stunning display in the first leg of Schalke's clash with apparent long-term admirers Manchester United prompted rumours that Germany's number one - considered by some pundits to be the best custodian in the world right now - could yet move to the Premier League.
In addition to the Red Devils, Arsenal have also been linked with Neuer before, however it is widely believed that he has no interest in leaving his country and that is why Bayern Munich is viewed as his only realistic destination, as the only German team that would represent a significant step up.
As mentioned by ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley during the German Cup finalists' recent trip to Old Trafford, there are a section of Bayern supporters that don't want him at the Allianz Arena, but luckily for the keeper, the people in power at the 22-time champions don't share the same opinion.
Schalke general manager Horst Heldt described the latest negotiations as "a decent conversation", which is a big improvement on his response to the first discussion, and also hinted that highly-rated Ajax and Holland star Maarten Stekelenburg is being pondered as a potential replacement.
Will Neuer leave Schalke with silverware? They are [1.25] to land the German Cup against second-tier Duisburg on May 21...
Published: 11 May 2011
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