Chelsea 'handed boost in Manuel Neuer pursuit'

Chelsea have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich stalwart Manuel Neuer.

The veteran goalkeeper has supposedly emerged as a target for Blues manager Frank Lampard, with Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling for consistency this season.

The Spaniard's future at Stamford Bridge remains up in the air after being dropped for Willy Caballero prior to the coronavirus postponement, and according to Bild, Neuer has rejected Bayern's offer of a new deal.

The report claims that the 34-year-old was presented with a contract offer up to the 2022-23 season, but he is supposedly seeking a deal until 2025.

Bayern are said to be reluctant to offer the shot-stopper a deal of that length due to the imminent arrival of Alexander Nubel from Schalke, potentially paving the way for Chelsea to make a swoop for Neuer.

The Germany international has kept 10 clean sheets in 25 Bundesliga appearances during the 2019-20 campaign.