Neuer’s move looks ever more likely

Champions League semi-finalists Schalke look set to lose goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at season’s end with reports saying the 25-year-old is poised to sign a four-year deal with Bayern Munich.

Bild reported Bayern are set to pay up to €20 million for Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, who has a contract with the Royal Blues until 2012.

Schalke will host Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the Veltins Arena next Tuesday, but face a fight to keep their star beyond the end of the current campaign.

Neuer said on Saturday that a decision about where he will play next season has already been made, but he refused to name the team.

Bayern’s director of sport Christian Nerlinger has hinted Neuer will be in the Munich goal next season.

“I have seen Manuel Neuer in a white shirt (while playing for Germany) and a blue shirt (Schalke). I have also seen him already in a red jersey and I liked him best in the red,” said Nerlinger.

After Bayern hammered Bayer Leverkusen 5-1 in the Bundesliga on Sunday, Nerlinger gave a clear indication that the Bavarian giants are set to capture Neuer’s signature.

“There is a clear trend, the question is how quickly we can find a solution,” said Nerlinger.