Schalke eager to keep Neuer, not break bank

Champions League semi-finalists Schalke 04 said they will do everything they can to keep Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but have denied offering him a deal worth €21 million.

The 25-year-old has been in stellar form this season, especially when Schalke beat holders Inter 2-1 at home last Wednesday in their Champions League quarter-final to set up a last four clash with Manchester United.

Bild claims Schalke have offered Neuer a three-year deal worth €21m but the club deny they are ready to break the bank to keep Neuer, who is under contract until 2012.

“I read the reports with astonishment, the article doesn’t even begin to approach the correct numbers or details,” said Schalke’s sports director Horst Heldt.

“It is true, however, that we will do everything to keep Manuel Neuer to his contract.”