Schalke boss won't stand in Neuer's way if keeper wants to join United

Schalke coach Felix Magath has opened the door for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to join Manchester United.Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made Neuer his top target as the Scot looks for a successor to Edwin van der Sar.When news of United's interest first reached Gelsenkirchen Magath ruled out the possibility of Neuer leaving his hometown club. In demand: United boss Sir Alex is an admirer of NeuerBut the former Bayern Munich boss told Sport Bild: 'If a player wants away and sees a better future somewhere else, then I sit down with them at a table.'The 23-year-old's agent, Thomas Kroth, said: 'I have heard of interest from Manchester United, we know about that.'   [item name=module id=1017989 style=4 /]Neuer is under contract until 2012 but Sportsmail understands the deal contains an £18million escape clause that could be activated next summer. United would need to matchan asking price that would double the British record £9mSunderland paid for Craig Gordon two years ago.However, Schalke last month received a much-needed financial injection after the city of Gelsenkirchen agreed to a £23m investment in the club by its own energy service provider GEW.Schalke's chairman Clemens Tonnies said at the time the funds would be enough to see the financially-troubled club through to the end of the season.  The windfall is also thought to have alleviated the possible need for the sale of star players such as Neuer, but a sizeable bid could force their hand. [related]  Explore more:People:Alex Ferguson, Edwin Van der Sar, Felix Magath, Craig Gordon

Source: Daily_Mail