My goal is to move to a German club – Schalke’s Manuel Neuer rebuffs Manchester United interest

Bundesliga: FC Bayern Munich – FC Schalke 04 (Getty Images; Manuel Neuer)

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Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has put an end to rumours linking him to Manchester United, and all but singled out Bayern Munich as his preferred destination next season.

The 25-year-old’s performance in his side’s Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to the Premier League leaders sparked questions regarding a potential move to Old Trafford.

But Neuer has reiterated his interest to remain in the Bundesliga, with last season’s champions reported to be the preferred destination.

“My goal is to transfer to a club inside Germany,” the 25-year old told Sky Germany following his team’s 4-1 defeat to Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.

With Bayern being the only club with both interest in a goalkeeper and the financial means to sign Neuer, the player has essentially revealed that he wishes to move to Munich. The quotes came after he was given a rather cold reception by some of the Bayern fans, who held signs protesting his potential move.

A teary-eyed Neuer recently announced that he will not extend his current contract, which is set to expire in 2012. However, Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick has pledged to keep his most prized asset in Gelsenkirchen for as long as possible, setting up a potential transfer showdown between Neuer, Schalke, and Bayern.