Manchester United watch Manuel Neuer as hunt for Edwin van der Sar replacement continues

Neuer has also been linked to Manchester United (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United's hunt for Edwin van der Sar's replacement took another step forward yesterday when goalkeeping coach Eric Steele went on a scouting mission to Germany.

Press Association Sport understands Steele was present to watch Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga clash with Schalke yesterday to witness two potential candidates for a summer move to Old Trafford.

Schalke's Manuel Neuer has long been touted as a prospective United goalkeeper.

Twenty-four-year-old Neuer caught the eye during last summer's World Cup when he was catapulted into Joachim Low's starting line-up due to a combination of Rene Adler's rib injury and the tragic death of Robert Enke.

The 21-year-old is known to be unhappy with life at Schalke, who have slumped into mid-table this season despite reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

Neuer is certainly on Sir Alex Ferguson's radar, whilst it appears Adler could also join a list that includes Holland number one Maarten Stekelenburg.

Late last year Adler spoke of his desire to join the Red Devils and the 26-year-old's consistent performances this season also ensure he will be on United's hit-list.

Steele felt watching both men - who have been included in Germany's squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday - in action on a day when United were not playing was too good an opportunity to miss.

Ferguson has not commented about United's goalkeeping intentions but, with Tomasz Kuszczak likely to leave in the summer and Van der Sar calling time on his stellar career, at least one reinforcement seems certain and Steele's scouting mission provides a further clue that United intend to aim high.