Bayern Munich's president wants to sign Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but says he isn't prepared to pay a huge transfer fee for the German international.
Neuer displayed his great talent by making numerous saves in Schalke's 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the Champions League semifinals on Tuesday.
''We haven't conducted any negotiations yet. They will start now,'' Bayern president Uli Hoeness said in Wednesday's edition of Munich TZ newspaper.
''We want Manuel. And if there is a will, there is a way. But Schalke should not start asking for an astronomical price now.''
Neuer has been linked for a long time with a move to Bayern. Earlier this month, Neuer confirmed that he won't be extending his contract when it expires at the end of next season. Schalke will be entitled to a transfer fee if he leaves this offseason or in January.
Neuer was born and grew up not far from Schalke stadium and has played for the club since preschool days. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has not disclosed where he would like to play.
Some German media reports have speculated that Manchester United also may be interested in the goalkeeper.
Horst Heldt, Schalke's sporting director, said after the game against United that it was hard for Neuer's market value to rise.
''It was never low, I am not sure it can even go any higher,'' he said. ''That's one thing. The other is that you sit there and think, 'Why in God's name should you come up with the idea of letting this player go?'''
''I think we have the best 'keeper in the world. But those who are interested have known this from before.''
Heldt stressed that Neuer's contract was valid for another season, saying ''it's the only thing that counts.''
''But I know the rules of the business - if someone offers 100 million, you can't expect me to say that Neuer is not for sale,'' Heldt added.
Meanwhile, Bayern star Arjen Robben said the club could use a few new players - and singled out Neuer as prospective target.
''This season has shown that two or three new players would do us good,'' Robben told the Sport-Bild weekly.
Ousted Bayern coach Louis van Gaal refused to sign any new players, and the club could finish outside the top three in the Bundesliga and miss out on next season's Champions League.
