Chelsea have been encouraged in their interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Neuer, off contract in just over a year, is at deadlock with Bayern regarding a new deal.

The Daily Mail says amid interest from Chelsea, Neuer and agent Frank Kroth are digging their heels in.

The 34-year-old sweeper-keeper's current demands have raised a few eyebrows in Munich.

Bayern have reportedly offered him a two-year extension, but Neuer is insisting on no less than five years - a deal which would keep him at the club until the age of 39.

In further encouragement to Chelsea, Arsenal Invincible Jens Lehmann told BILD: "Neuer could be even better at 39 than he is now. And even if not, he will be at least as good as he is now, which is better than most others."