Man Utd target makes decision on future
Germany number one and rumoured Manchester United target Manuel Neuer is expected to join Bayern Munich over the summer after confirming that he has made a decision regarding his future.
The 25-year-old Schalke goalkeeper, who will come into contact with his English admirers over the next few weeks in the Champions League semi-finals, has been quoted saying: "A decision has been taken. People who need to know, know. So everything is cleared up."
Despite offering no clear indication as to whether that choice was to stay loyal to Schalke or move to either Manchester United or Bayern Munich at the end of the season, his words have been widely interpreted as confirmation that he intends to represent the Bundesliga's most famous club.
The Gelsenkirchen-born custodian Neuer would head to the Allianz Arena off the back of a hugely impressive 12 months in which he established himself as his country's first-choice and performed convincingly at the World Cup, before playing his part in his hometown side's fine run in Europe.
Bayern Munich meanwhile have lacked stability between the sticks during the current campaign, with veteran Hans-Jorg Butt losing his place to youngster Thomas Kraft midway through the season, only to be reinstated following the dismissal of Louis van Gaal.
For [3.55] Champions League hopefuls Manchester United, the alleged unavailability of Neuer leaves Atletico Madrid's David de Gea as the most likely new arrival at Old Trafford if they do decide to recruit a replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar from outside of those already in the squad.
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Published: 18 Apr 2011
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