Bayern Munich are eyeing Mainz keeper Heinz Muller after admitting they are unlikely to reach an agreement with Schalke to sign Manuel Neuer.
The Bavarians have made their first offer for the Germany number one, but it is believed to be little over half of Schalke's asking price, making Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge sceptical about a deal being reached.
"I don't really think we are going to find a quick agreement," he told the Bild newspaper.
"And I am also not convinced that Bayern and Schalke will find a price which suits them both, but we will have to wait and see - the transfer window is still open for four more months."
Muller has therefore emerged as a new candidate to be understudy to Hans-Jorg Butt, who recently extended his contract by a year.
Bayern's director of sport Christian Nerlinger has already made initial contact with the player's agent and further talks could take place if the Neuer deal turns into a stalemate.
"We will definitely be signing a new goalkeeper," revealed Rummenigge.
However, Muller may be just as difficult to get.
"We certainly don't have any intention of selling him," said Mainz general manager Christian Heidel.
