Bayern Munich have been reportedly linked with a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, but he is not an option for them.
Manchester United are also chasing the 30-year-old goalkeeper, while Premier League rivals Chelsea are also interested.
Maignan has a contract at San Siro until the end of the season, and several clubs are reportedly vying for his signature.
Man Utd and Bayern eye move for Maignan?
Man Utd could still look for a new goalkeeper despite signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day.
Andre Onana left Old Trafford on loan this summer to join Trabzonspor for the rest of the season, and he does not want to return to his parent club after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim.
Altay Bayindir’s future has come under speculation, which means the Red Devils could be interested in signing an experienced keeper, and Maignan ticks the bill.
The French goalkeeper won the Serie A title in his first season at Milan and has kept 63 clean sheets in 168 appearances.
In recent years, he has seen a massive drop in form. Still, recent reports claim Bayern could be interested in signing Maignan, viewing him as a potential long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer, arguably one of the best keepers in the modern era.
Christian Falk shares latest update on Bayern-Maignan link
Falk told CFBayern that Maignan is not an option for Bayern, despite speculation regarding Neuer’s future.
The legendary German goalkeeper has been brilliant this season, and could extend his stay at the club. Even if he decides to retire, Bayern do have enough back-up options.
Falk said: “It is NOT TRUE: Bayern have joined the transfer ace for Serie A goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Nobody knows what Manuel Neuer will decide in the summer.
“There’s a small chance that he says, “I’m playing so well at the moment, I won’t stop my career.” He’s not thinking of retiring at this stage, and perhaps he’ll even play in the World Cup for Germany.
“Everything is open, so, if he says, “No, I quit – this is my last season”, Bayern have Jonas Urbig at the moment (who is injured) who is doing very well and Daniel Peretz (away on loan at Hamburg) who isn’t playing much on loan, so Bayern are thinking of recalling him if this doesn’t change.
“There’s also Alexander Nübel at Stuttgart, who also wants to be Neuer’s successor.
“So, you see, there are many players on the payroll at FC Bayern who are competing for the number two position. There isn’t any money left for a new number one.”
Having said that, Nubel’s situation is interesting. He has reportedly ruled out another loan spell for the next season.
At the same time, a permanent move to Stuttgart is also unlikely at this stage. He earns between €11–12m gross per year, with Stuttgart covering only one-third of the amount.
However, if Neuer extends his stay at Bayern, he could decide to leave permanently.
