Bayer Leverkusen still hope to tie goalkeeper Rene Adler down to a new contract, but have accepted that convincing him to stay may be tricky if Manchester United make a bid this summer.
GettyImages / JoernPollexRene Adler is believed to be on Manchester United's goalkeeping wish-list
Adler, 26, has been at Leverkusen all his career and has established himself as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Bundesliga over the past few years.
And with United scouring Europe for a replacement for retiring Edwin van der Sar, Adler's name has been among those linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the likes of Manuel Neuer, David De Gea and Maarten Stekelenburg also reportedly on their radar.
United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele was sent on a scouting mission to Germany last weekend, where he saw Adler keep a clean sheet in Leverkusen's 2-0 victory over Neuer's Schalke.
Leverkusen remain hopeful of retaining Adler's services and discussions about a contract extension are well under way, with general manager Rudi Voller staying calm over speculation linking Adler with a move away from the club.
"It's a usual circumstance in football to have players being watched by other clubs," Voller said. "We have the desire to sign a new deal with Rene Adler, this is a fact."
But Leverkusen executive Wolfgang Holzhauser says he is concerned that negotiations would be difficult should United swoop for the Germany international.
"There have been talks between the club and Rene Adler already, however we are still far off an agreement at this point in time," Holzhauser told Bild.
"If a club the size of Manchester United comes up, I feel signing a new deal with Rene Adler would not become easier."
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