MANUEL NEUER has rejected a new Bayern Munich contract because he wants a five-year-deal, according to reports.
The news will come as a huge boost to Chelsea who are reportedly keen on signing the German if they can get rid of Kepa.
Neuer is already considering ditching Bayern because the German giants have a deal to bring in Schalke shot-stopper Alexander Nubel, 23, from next season.
But the Bundesliga champions offered their long-serving captain a new deal regardless.
However, 34-year-old Neuer has turned it down as he wants a contract that would see him play on until he is 39, according to German outlet Bild.
Bayern have offered the stopper a deal until 2023 but are wary of offering a longer term as that would see Nubel on the bench for the full length of his contract.
Neuer is said to have argued that other goalkeepers play until their late 30s and early 40s and sees no reason why he cannot do the same.
Following a long-term foot injury, the German icon feels he is still capable of keeping his No1 jersey for years to come.
He has 18 months left on his contract and has been a constant presence for the German champions since his arrival from Schalke in 2011.
At Chelsea, Frank Lampard has grown increasingly frustrated with Spanish stopper Kepa and will reportedly encourage the Blues’ hierarchy to land the German international.
Before coronavirus put a temporary stop on Premier League action, Lampard had banished Kepa to the bench and promoted veteran keeper Willy Caballero to the starting XI in his place.
Kepa has been linked with a return to Spain two years after his record £71.6million move from Athletic Bilbao.
Neuer has kept 15 clean sheets from 37 games in all competitions this season while Kepa has kept just eight from 33.
