By Peter Weis@PeterVicey

AS Monaco express interest in long-term Nübel loan

German footballing magazine Kicker reports that former Bayern München trainer Niko Kovac appears willing to assist his old club with the Alexander Nübel situation. 
Alexander Nübel.
Alexander Nübel.
The well-publicized discord between Bayern back-up keeper Alexander Nübel only looks to get worse. On Monday, FCB head-coach Hans Dieter Flick explicitly ruled out giving Nübel the start against Lazio in the second-leg of the UEFA Champions' League tie against Lazio Rom on Wednesday. This despite the fact that the German giants carry a 4-1 away-goals lead into the fixture.

Nübel must continue to wait for his third competitive appearance for Germany's record champions. Even a match where one would absolutely expect a back-up keeper to be utilized isn't suited for him. It is now practically (though not statistically) impossible for the former Schalke backstop to reach the ten competitive starts guaranteed in his contract.

The 24-year-old is within his legal rights to terminate his contract. This radical step appears unlikely as none of the involved parties would benefit. It is also unlikely, however, that Nübel has much hope of displacing the 34-year-old Neuer anytime soon. The German national team backstop is in fantastic form; the best since his metatarsal surgery. Conceivably, Neuer could play at top level for another six to ten years.

A long-term loan for Nübel would constitute the most practical solution. German footballing magazine Kicker reports that AS Monaco trainer Niko Kovac has expressed interest in a two-year-arrangement to bring Neuer's would-be-successor to Ligue 1. It's quite likely that Bayern would be amenable to such an arrangement.

A serviceable back-up for Neuer in the event of injury would obviously need to be procured. The Kicker article suggests Bielefeld's Stefan Ortega might be pursued.
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