Manuel Neuer drops the biggest hint yet
Germany international Manuel Neuer has announced today that he will not extend his contract with Schalke, sparking speculations that he will leave the club in the summer.
With his current contract set to expire in June 2012, it is now clear that Schalke will cash in on him next summer.
“On Saturday I informed those in charge,” Neuer told reporters.
“I always want to play at the highest level; that’s the Champions League. I want to develop myself, to make a major new step in my career.
“It was not an easy decision; I needed time to make it.”
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt revealed that the club had done everything to persuade the player into signing a new deal.
“We regret the decision. We tried to convince Manuel to the contrary. We were aware that there were implications in this decision. We have to accept and live with it.”
The press conference was held after Neuer explained the decision on his Facebook page.
“I have told the leaders at Schalke that I will not extend my contract. I owe much to Schalke and the fans, but would like to think that after 20 years of loyalty, the opportunity for a change is open.
“I have made my decision and now it’s disclosed. I now will put my best efforts forward to help achieve our season goals at Schalke,” read the statement.
Bastos’ agent says Juventus move is on
Michel Bastos’ agent, Emmanuel de Kerchove has moved to deny the claims suggesting that the player’s proposed move to Juventus has collapsed.
The Serie A giants have made the Brazil international their number one target in the summer, after it was reported that he was becoming unsettled at Lyon.
However, when it became clear that Juventus would not be playing Champions League football next term, the transfer was said to be called off.
The player’s agent, nonetheless, has moved to deny such allegations.
“Juventus do not need to be worried about these rumours,” Emmanuel de Kerchove told Tuttosport.
“The prospect of playing in the Italian league and meeting teams such as Inter and AC Milan twice a year is more important for Michel than playing in the Champions League.
“It’s just a matter of waiting for us now. The directors of both clubs have yet to talk.
“I don’t expect there to be any problems though. Lyon have told us that they’re willing to open talks and to cash in on Michel.”
Lyon are unlikely to sell Bastos for less then €15 million, meaning that the Bianconeri will have to delve deep into their pockets in order to ensure his signature.
Agent confirms Napoli star on Tottenham radar
The agent of Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio has revealed that his client has been tracked by Tottenham.
The Italy international has been a key player in Napoli’s push for Serie A glory and he has attracted a lot of interest from abroad.
The player’s agent, Massimo Braschi has admitted that Tottenham are one of the teams that have watched Maggio this season.
“Maggio is appreciated both abroad and in Italy. After all, he does play in a special position,” Massimo Braschi told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“We are waiting for a sign from the club. We said we’d meet again with the directors, then nothing else came of it.
“We are here waiting. Christian is happy at Napoli and does not want to leave, even if he has offers from elsewhere.
“For example, Tottenham have viewed Maggio this season.”
It is really strange that Napoli board have yet to offer Maggio a new contract, and if they fail to do so before the season ends, the Italya international could easily accept one of the offers from abroad.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2010/11 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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