Source: Daily_Mail
Alex Ferguson 'no' to deal for Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer
Manuel Neuer's heroics against Manchester United are unlikely to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to make a late bid for the Schalke goalkeeper.[LNB] Ferguson appears set on signing Atletico Madrid's David de Gea, while Neuer is reluctant to leave Germany and wants to join Bayern Munich. [LNB]Although Bayern have announced that they are ready to open negotiations for the ?20million-rated goalkeeper, they still fear the deal could be ambushed by United or another Barclays Premier League club. [LNB] Last line of resistance: Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer (right) excelled against United on Tuesday night[LNB]But Neuer said: 'Manchester United was never an option for me. I will focus now on my performances and my team. All the other things don't matter at the moment.' [LNB] A significant number of Ferguson's scouts and coaching staff are believed to favour Neuer, who was outstanding in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, despite United's 2-0 win. [LNB]Old Trafford legend Peter Schmeichel heaped praise on the 25-year-old, describing him as 'probably the best goalkeeper in the world' and 'absolutely well suited for Manchester United'. [LNB]Even Ferguson admitted it was the finest goalkeeping performance his team had ever faced, but he is committed to signing De Gea, 20, having identified him as the new Iker Casillas. [LNB] Fair play: Fergie acknowledges Neuer's efforts following Tuesday night's Champions League clash[LNB]De Gea would also cost around the ?20m mark and he may not be United's only goalkeeping target this summer as they look to replace Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak. [LNB]Reports in Italy claim United have approached Inter Milan for Ferguson's initial first choice, Julio Cesar, and he maintains an interest in Rui Patricio of Sporting Lisbon. But there seems little chance of the United boss rivalling Bayern for Neuer, who will be offered ?80,000 a week to move to the Allianz Arena. [LNB]Bayern have been confident of landing the Germany international since November after striking an informal agreement with Schalke should he decide to leave.[LNB]A tearful Neuer announced last week that he will not renew a contract that runs out next summer. But Bayern have accused their Bundesliga rivals of trying to drive up the price. [LNB]Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said: 'His value on the transfer market is already very high. I don't know if it can still go up, but watching this match I said to myself, "Why sell such a player?" ' [LNB] United front: Ryan Giggs finally finds the way to beat Neuer[LNB]Bayern chief Uli Hoeness hit back, saying: 'We want Manuel, and where there's a will there's a way. But Schalke cannot now demand an astronomical price.' [LNB]Neuer has made no secret of his desire to join a bigger club after 20 years at Schalke, but claims he has no interest in leaving Germany. [LNB]'I definitely want to win the Bundesliga once in my career,' he said last month. 'I can go abroad twice a year, once for a summer holiday and once for a winter holiday, but whether I need to go abroad to play football . . . some players say you do, but I see things differently.' [LNB] Rooney: I'm so sorry I said we weren't good enoughRooney can copy Euro heroics of Charlton, says United legend CrerandBayern plan Neuer talks amid fears Man United may pinch Schalke No 1 All the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Tomasz Kuszczak, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: Lisbon, Germany, Italy
