Neuer going nowhere, says Magath

Schalke coach Felix Magath says goalkeeper Manuel Neuer won’t be moving to Bayern Munich.

New reports of Schalke’s deep financial problems have rekindled speculation that Neuer, one of its top players, would be allowed to transfer to Bayern for a big fee.

Magath said Schalke would consider selling some players if it received an appropriate offer during the winter transfer period, but “it would not involve Manuel Neuer.”

“The situation is not different from this summer, when we were also supposed to sell players because of financial problems,” Magath said.

Bayern expressed interest in Neuer during the offseason, and club president Franz Beckenbauer said over the weekend the club would continue to pursue him. But Beckenbauer also said he did not believe Magath would ever allow one of his top players to leave.

Schalke has not sold any players but the heavily indebted club needs to cut its payroll, which according to media reports is the second highest after Bayern Munich. German clubs do not usually reveal details of players’ contracts.

Magath, who also acts as Schalke’s general manager, has denied that Schalke’s problems are greater than generally known.

“We are in a good situation and we can sell everything we own,” Magath said. “It’s not like we don’t own anything except the players. We are considering whether to give something to an investor.”

Schalke could sell shares in its stadium or the catering firm it owns.

German media reports have put Schalke’s debt at about €137 million, with another €100 million in various obligations.