Bayern Munich Transfer News: Bastian Schweinsteiger Linked to Barcelona, Madrid

Bayern Munich stalwart Bastian Schweinsteiger could be looking toward pastures new to in order to revitalise his career.

The German midfield powerhouse has only figured in 10 of Bayern's matches this season, and with the World Cup on the horizon the player needs games and quality playing time.   

Unfortunately for Schweinsteiger, Bayern have flourished in his absence with a plethora of midfield stars proving more than able deputies.

It certainly gives Pep Guardiola some food for thought. Why disrupt a solid midfield and winning team at such a crucial stage of the season?  

Despite being a symbol of Bayern's successes over the past decade, old father time is catching up with the player. In addition, Kit Holden of the Daily Mail reported the following: "Since the beginning of this season, speculation has been growing in Germany as to whether the midfielder can maintain his place in Pep Guardiola’s enviable midfield."

Indeed, ex-Germany keeper Oliver Kahn thinks it's time for Schweinsteiger to cut the apron strings and move on.

Kahn made the following statement to Kicker magazine, h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC:

"

Real or Barcelona always have a special aura. Schweinsteiger has played for Bayern for over 10 years and you could understand it if he wants to experience something new.

"

With competition for places in the German World Cup squad just as fierce, if Schweinsteiger wants to get on the plane to Brazil, Kahn is clear: "He needs to take on this challenge, and also return to fitness."

For a player of such quality, sitting on the bench in Bavaria is not an option, but clearly any potential suitors will need to be sure that Schweinsteiger's injury problems are behind him before making an offer for his services.

With only a few days of the transfer window remaining, both club and player will need to move quickly in order to make any transfer a reality.