By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Most fans can't imagine Bayern Munich playing without Manuel Neuer between its goalposts, after the custodian joined the Bavarian side from FC Schalke 04 in 2011. But the 86-cap 2014 World Cup winner and 2013 Champions League winner has already turned 33 this March.

In 2021, when Neuer's current contract expires, the 2013 World Goalkeeper of the Year will be 35. The clock seems to tick inevitably.

For Bayern, it seems the right time to look for a suitable successor.

The Gelsenkirchen-born professional doesn't yet speak about his career ending, but is inevitably approaching the edge. Looking at the goalkeeper's recent injury history, one question comes to mind: How long Neuer will be able to continue at the highest level?

Now at least the question about his possible successor seems to be answered. According to several media reports, Bayern are eyeing 22-year-old Alexander Nubel. He also currently wears the shirt of Schalke 04, just as Neuer did when Bayern came calling seven years ago.

Club insiders speak of Bayern's unshakeable interest, as Nubel has been under surveillance for some time. The tabloid Bild reports that Bayern have made a final decision on the youngster, despite his contract with Schalke running until 2020.

Though Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has refused to comment on Nubel, head coach Nico Kovac acknowledged that he is aware of Nubel's qualities.

The reluctance of Bayern officials to discuss Nubel seems reasonable, as Neuer hasn't yet decided the terms of his departure. At first sight, it doesn't make much sense for Nubel to join the current Bundesliga leaders and spend his time sitting on the bench behind Neuer.

Nevertheless, former Germany, Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann is still recommending that the young keeper join Bayern.

"It does make sense for him at his young age to have the highest possible level in training. If this means he won't play much, it seems OK for one or two years," Hamann commented, adding that Nubel would benefit from training alongside Neuer much more than staying at Schalke.

Nubel is Germany's rising star when it comes to goalkeeping, having secured his place as the country's under-21 national keeper. Last winter, he pushed the experienced Ralf Fahrmann aside and became Schalke's number one.

The youngster's agent Stefan Backs openly spoke about the possibility of leaving Schalke, adding that his client won't comment on his future before summer. Schalke are still battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga, and Nubel also has this summer's under-21 European Championships to concentrate on.

Nubel's entourage claims the goalkeeper still needs to develop, as he only has 16 appearances in the Bundesliga and 12 games with the German junior team.

Meanwhile, Schalke insiders are convinced the Royal Blues have already lost the battle over Nubel. Board member Jochen Schneider might have announced that his side hasn't yet surrendered and will do everything possible to keep him, but many claim that decisions have already been made.

Nubel rejecting Schalke's offers to extend his contract might tell the story. Others say Schalke's former goalkeeper coach Toni Topalovic has a significant influence, as he now works for Bayern. Enditem

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