Neuer not desperate to play abroad

Schalke's German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who has been linked with Bayern Munich and Manchester United, said on Thursday that he does not consider playing abroad a necessity.

"I could go abroad twice a year, during the winter break and in the summer," Neuer told German bi-weekly sport magazine Kicker.

"But do you really, absolutely have to play abroad as a professional footballer? Some think so. It's not the case for me."

Neuer, whose contract expires in a year, says he is more motivated by his desire to one day win the German title.

"I want to be the champion of Germany at least once in my career, at any cost," he said.

"I'm a German international, I play here and I therefore want to win the most important national title."

Bayern have been tracking Neuer for several months, while Schalke president Clement Toennies recently confirmed that United have also expressed an interest in the 24-year-old.