Manchester United Transfer News: Thomas Muller Momentum Grows, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a January move for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.  

That's according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via James Cambridge of the Daily Express), who notes Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted English clubs' financial power gives them an edge in the transfer market. He told Bloomberg Television:

"

We have an incredibly big gap between paid TV in England and paid TV in Germany.

So, that is a big, big problem in the transfer market, because the English clubs have so much money available in that market that it is not easy to defend.

We keep our best players here in Bayern Munich like Thomas Muller or players from Real Madrid like Sergio Ramos because they have big requests from England, so it is very difficult to keep them.

"

According to Cambridge, United pursued a deal for Muller over the summer, but of course, they were evidently unsuccessful in prising him away from Bayern.

The Red Devils have few forward options this season having allowed the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez to depart in the transfer window, while James Wilson appears to be nearing a loan move, according to Metro's Will Giles.

Anthony Martial was the only striker brought into the club, and though he got off to a dream start by scoring an excellent solo goal on his debut, at just 19, he still needs time to develop and adjust to his new surroundings.

Muller represents the kind of proven marquee signing United need to bolster their firepower.

The German international is an outstanding and versatile player who can operate anywhere in the final third—and to devastating effect.

Muller's attacking contribution is phenomenal—at just 26, he has already racked up 126 goals and 106 assists for Munich, including six and one from four Bundesliga appearances this season.

B/R Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney does not believe Bayern will sell him though:

Though United have more than enough financial muscle to pull off the deal, and the chance of reuniting with former team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger and former boss Louis van Gaal could be tempting, the Red Devils will have their work cut out to land Muller.

This is particularly the case in January, as Bayern will undoubtedly be doing well on multiple fronts and will be just months away from probably at least one major trophy.

One area United no longer need to strengthen, for the time being at least, is in goal after David De Gea signed a new deal with the club, per BBC Sport.

Hektor Pustina (AP) HEKTOR PUSTINA/Associated Press

According to FourFourTwo, United were rumoured to be targeting Tottenham Hotspur stopper Hugo Lloris when it appeared De Gea might be off to Real Madrid.

However, per the report, the Frenchman insists he remains focused despite admitting a move could have been on the cards. He told Club on beIN Sports:

"

I feel very good. The transfer window does not upset me. I kept a certain distance, so I was focused on my preparation with Tottenham. I am happy to string together matches with my club.

The interest of Manchester United? There could have been a development but there was none. Although much has been written I must stay focused.

"

The 'keeper would have made a strong replacement for the Spaniard had he gone, with WhoScored.com highlighting his outstanding reflexes:

"

Hugo Lloris: Has made more saves from shots taken inside the box (131) than any other GK in the PL since the start of last season #thfc

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 22, 2015"

Should De Gea move to Real Madrid in the future—and it seems likely they'll remain interested despite his renewed contract and inevitably higher price tag—Lloris could be heading to Old Trafford in turn.

His comments hint that he'd have been open to a move, so if United ever make their interest in him concrete, they could well be successful in landing him, though given Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's reputation for driving a hard bargain, they could have to seriously splash the cash.