United eyeing Neuer - agent

Manchester United are interested in Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, according to the player's agent.

The 23-year-old Germany international is under contract with the Royal Blues until 2012.

Neuer's agent Thomas Kroth was quoted by Sport Bild as saying: "I have heard of interest from Manchester United, we know about that."

Schalke last month received a much-needed financial injection after the city of Gelsenkirchen agreed to a 25.5million euro investment in the club by its own energy service provider GEW.

Schalke's chairman Clemens Tonnies said at the time the funds would be enough to see the financially-troubled club through to the end of the season.

The windfall is also thought to have alleviated the possible need for the sale of star players such as Neuer, but a sizeable bid could force their hand.