Manchester United Transfer News: Xherdan Shaqiri, Ander Herrera Swap Reported

Bayern Munich are "preparing" to offer Xherdan Shaqiri in a part-exchange deal for Manchester United's Ander Herrera, according to reports.

Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express believes Pep Guardiola is willing to hand over the creative Swiss star and a fee of £6 million to bring in the combative Spaniard. Herrera moved to United in the summer, but he has struggled with injury problems after initially posting a handful of solid performances.

He has started five games this season, scoring two and assisting one, per WhoScored.com. The tenacious midfielder averages 2.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 0.6 blocks each appearance, while also completing 88.5 percent of his passes.

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Herrera wore a corset to protect his damaged rib during the draw with West Brom, a match which saw him easily outmuscled. He hasn't played since. Marouane Fellaini scored an excellent goal after being introduced at half-time and impressed in the starting lineup across the next three matches.

Van Gaal noted his need for power after drawing with the Baggies, per Sky Sports:

"

Herrera has played a normal game, not very good but normal, but we have to look also for physical talents and maybe that's our problem. I'm a coach who is always thinking about creative players but in England you also need physical bodies in your team and Fellaini is one of these.

"

Van Gaal could start Herrera against Arsenal out of necessity. Up to 12 United players, per Tom Sheen of The Independent, may be missing, meaning the former Athletic Bilbao man is almost certain to receive greater minutes.

Even so, B/R UK's Sam Tighe doesn't expect Herrera to make the United team during Saturday's crunch tie with Arsenal:

Herrera would certainly offer Guardiola an interesting option at the Allianz Arena—he is energetic, a smart passer and surprisingly strong in the tackle—offering a competitive presence next to Xabi Alonso.

Following news of Philipp Lahm's fractured ankle, Guardiola may feel the need to boost his options at the base of midfield.

Shaqiri, too, could have a major impact at United.

The 23-year-old is able to play from the left or in central attacking areas. His ability to do the former could see Di Maria move into the middle, a position which best utilises his change of pace and dribbling skills.

Although United desperately need a physical type to patrol the centre—someone more mobile and disciplined than Fellaini—Di Maria is able to exert his incisive stride from this position.

Shaqiri has played just 310 minutes of Bundesliga football this season, scoring one and assisting two, per WhoScored.com. He is strong for his size and smart enough to adapt into multiple roles if confidence is placed in his ability. Stuttering playing time under Guardiola hasn't helped the popular youngster improve.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

"I wanted a move in the summer, of course, but the club made their decision and I've just got to live with it," Shaqiri told Swiss newspaper Blick (h/t NBC Sports).

He certainly offers value for money if Jefferson's pricing of £15 million is correct.

Van Gaal should prioritise physical signings in January, but Shaqiri can make an impact if given a chance. It would be unwise to cash in on one of United's more determined battlers to bring him in, though.

Despite failing to hold down a stint in the team, Herrera has already shown quality and commitment in the red shirt. He is ready to rough the opposition up and can't be criticised for letting a lack of stature halt his enthusiasm. Shaqiri is undoubtedly a tempting prospect, but if Van Gaal seriously wants the Swiss player, he should pay up rather than sacrifice his summer signing.