EPL transfer gossip: Manuel Neuer to Manchester United, Gary Cahill to Arsenal
German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been linked with a potential transfer to English Premier League side Manchester United.
Neuer, who rose to stardom in the FIFA World Cup this summer with Germany, is rated among the top goalkeepers in Europe. He currently plays with German side Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga.
Schalke have had a dreadful start to the season and are languishing in the relegation zone of the Bundesliga. The
club is also under intense financial pressure, which has led coach Felix Magath to admit that some of his star players may have to be offloaded.
“Of course I do not trust entirely that I will be able to keep Manuel Neuer and the other players. Although the situation is somewhat more difficult with less revenue, we have created
the conditions to become champions in years to come.”
Neuer’s current contract with his club expires in 2012, meaning he could be available for a knock-down price next year. The
Red Devils are looking to replace 40-year-old goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar. The veteran Dutch stopper is expected to hang his boots at the end of this season, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson searching for a new number one.
Gunners look to address defensive woes with Cahill
Arsenal, meanwhile have reportedly made a formal bid for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill. The Gunners initiated the move after Bolton put Cahill on the transfer market. Arsenal Manager
Arsene Wenger has been monitoring Cahill's impressive progress and despite spending £13m on two centre-halves during the summer, still isn’t satisfied with his side’s defensive powers.
Talking about the possible transfer, Bolton’s Chairman, Phil Gartside said "If a Champions League team knocks on our door in January that's the best time to sell an asset because Champions
League teams will pay the money.”
Cahill would add the much needed physical presence to an Arsenal backline that has missed the robustness of injured defender, Thomas Vermaelen in recent weeks. The Gunners have also missed
their veteran central defender William Gallas, who they sold to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season.
Both clubs are willing to do business, however Bolton have priced the 24-year-old at £15m, which may seem a bit excessive to Arsenal. Cahill does not have any experience in the UEFA Champions
League, and only one international cap for England.
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