Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has Manchester United and Barcelona hot on his trail.

The Sunday Mirror says the Germany Under-21 star, who plays for Schalke 04, has been in brilliant form over the past couple of years.

With Edwin van der Sar approaching the end of his career United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped up his search for a new keeper.

Inside Old Trafford Ben Foster is already mounting his challenge to be the club's next first choice goalie.

But Neuer is also on the United radar.

Ferguson is adamant he will not make any further signings before the transfer window shuts and Barcelona are ready to make United pay for their that delay by launching a bid for the 23-year-old.

The Champions League winners want to give current number one Victor Valdes some competition for the coming season and manager Pep Guardiola has already made tentative enquiries, with a view to making a firm move before the window slams shut.