Bayer face battle to keep Man United target
Published 13:01 23/03/11 By MirrorFootball
Bayer Leverkusen chiefs have admitted persuading goalkeeper Rene Adler to sign a new deal will be difficult if Manchester United make an offer for the stopper.
United boss Alex Ferguson has been scouring Europe for a replacement for current No.1 Edwin van der Sar who is set to retire this summer.
Childhood United fan Adler is thought to be on the list of possible replacements, along with Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer.
Leverkusen are hoping to tie Adler down to a new long-tern contract but admit it may be difficult in light of Manchester United's interest - especially because the stopper is thought to have a clause in his contract allowing United to sign him if they meet a pre-arranged price, thought to be around £20m.
Club executive Wolfgang Holzhauser told German daily BILD: "There have been talks between the club and Rene Adler already, however we are still far off an agreement at this point in time.
"If a club the size of Manchester United comes up, I feel signing a new deal with Rene Adler would not become easier."
General manager Rudi Voller added: "It's a usual circumstance in football to have players being watched by other clubs.
"We want to sign a new deal with Rene Adler, this is a fact."
Last December when the escape clause was revealed, Holzhauser said: "It is an escape clause with a difference, because it only refers to one club. If United offer a certain amount, we have to let Rene go.
"He has always supported them, and he wanted to make sure the door was open, should they come calling. I know they have watched him quite a few times, so it may be difficult for us."
