Manchester United's interest in Manuel Neuer could be scuppered by Schalke's contract negotiations

Neuer, who impressed during Germany’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in South Africa last summer, is on United’s shortlist alongside Ajax’s Maarten Stekelenburg and Atletico Madrid’s David de Gea to replace Edwin van der Sar when the 40 year-old retires at the end of this season. Neuer, 24, is also a target for Bayern Munich.

United and Bayern are ready to take advantage of Neuer’s contract situation at Schalke, with his deal due to expire in June 2012. It is understood that Neuer’s contract includes an escape clause that can be triggered by Champions League participants offering in excess of €15 million for the player.

However, the deal also allows Schalke to reject such an offer with the proviso that they increase Neuer’s €2 million-a-year salary by 20 per cent. With growing interest in their goalkeeper, however, Schalke are ready to open talks over a new deal. Felix Magath, the Schalke head coach, said: “He is definitely with us until 2012. But we are in conversation and will meet again in the spring.

“The discussions so far suggest that we have a chance to extend Manuel’s contract.”

United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele admitted this month that the club had identified three leading contenders to replace Van der Sar.

Liverpool's Pepe Reina has been considered by United, who are aware of the £20 million release clause in the Spaniard’s contract at Anfield, but the difficulties in prising a player from Liverpool, including the off-field furore that could affect any player moving between the clubs, has rendered Reina as an outsider to replace Van der Sar.

United could yet turn to Reina, who continues to interest Arsenal, should they fail to land any of their top three targets. Schalke’s determination to retain Neuer could prompt United to firm up their interest in Stekelenburg, who is expected to leave Ajax this summer, but Atletico youngster De Gea has reiterated his readiness to remain in Madrid.

The Spain Under-21 goalkeeper said: “If you’re comfortable in your club, you do not look for anything. Football is so that, when you feel comfortable in a club, there is no need to change. That’s my situation.”