Neuer interested in Bayern's Deal Offer

The Schalke and Germany No.1 was thought to be high on Sir Alex Ferguson's wanted list as he scours for a successor to the outgoing Dutch veteran, who announced he would be hanging up his gloves at the end of the season after an illustrious 21-year career.

Neuer, 24, has caught the eye with a number of commanding displays for both club and country over the past 12 months, with his 6"4 stature and shot-stopping abilities earning him favourable comparisons to United legend Peter Schmeichel.

His displays have not gone unnoticed elsewhere with German giants Bayern Munich also confirmed admirers having failed to solve their goalkeeping conundrum since Oliver Kahn retired in 2008.

And it would appear the Bavarian outfit are in pole position for his siganture after the custodian admitted a move abroad did not interest him and that he has his sights set on winning a maiden Bundesliga title.

Neuer's contract with Schalke expires in 2012, although the Royal Blues are keen to tie him down to a new deal at the Veltins Arena.

However, the shot-stopper is wary of pledging his long-term future to the Gelsenkirchen-based club given Schalke's failure to compete in the Bundesliga this season.

"I definitely want to win the Bundesliga once in my career," he told respected German magazine, Kicker.

"I can go abroad twice a year, once for a summer holiday and once for a winter holiday, but whether I need to go abroad to play football - some players say you do, but I see things differently."

Meanwhile, Neuer has not been put off by a move to Bayern, despite a section of their fans holding up banners in a recent clash between the two sides making it clear that the 'keeper would not be welcome at Allianz Arena.

"I got a lot of correspondence afterwards, also from Bayern fans, who apologised for what happened," he said.

"It was a strange situation and it would have been better had such a thing not happened.

"(The Bayern management) acted professionally and made it clear to me that it was just a minority protesting against me.

"It was uncomfortable for the Bayern management too."

FC Bayern Munich AID match for Japan

FC Bayern Munich expresses support for its Japanese friends at this difficult time, and wishes to aid the people and the footballing family in Japan by staging a benefit match after the current season. “We’ve all been following the shocking images of the devastation caused by the earthquake and the tsunami, and the associated fear of a nuclear catastrophe,” commented FCB chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“We have traditionally had a close relationship with the Japanese association and the J-League clubs, so there was never any doubt we would come to the aid of the Japanese people. We have resolved to play a benefit match in Japan after the current season, demonstrating our solidarity with our Japanese friends.”

The club will liaise with the Japanese association before finalising the date for the match. The FC Bayern Munich board and Presidential Committee have suggested a date within the period from 17 to 25 May 2011.

“Naturally, FC Bayern will not require a fee for this match and the club will cover all its travel costs,” Rummenigge continued. “All proceeds from the match will be used to benefit victims of the catastrophe.”