Bastian Schweinsteiger Transfer Rumours: Latest News on Bayern Munich Star

Manchester United and Chelsea have been put on high alert following Bastian Schweinsteiger's admission that he's in "no hurry to renew" his deal with Bayern Munich, which expires in less than 18 months.

Speaking to German magazine Kicker (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express), the German national team captain admitted there is no urgency to extend his deal at present, saying:

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I am in no hurry to renew. It's not something that bothers me because I have a year before it expires. The important thing is that my physical problems and injuries are resolved. The rest will follow.

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His statement can be interpreted in one of two ways: Either the desire is not there to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena or Schweinsteiger is simply waiting until his contract's closing phases before re-committing.

Chapman mentions that Schweinsteiger was one of several Bayern players Louis van Gaal attempted to lure to Old Trafford last summer, only to be rebuffed in his advances.

The Red Devils currently have need of a more elite box-to-box figure and Schweinsteiger could be seen as fitting the mould to complete United's make-up.

Even at 30 years of age, the midfielder's stock is high after helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup and figuring prominently in Bayern Munich's vast success in recent years.

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Up until now, there has been no question of the veteran's allegiance or doubt that he would pen an extension in Bavaria, but these latest comments may suggest a Bayern exit isn't impossible.

Chapman's report also mentions that Jose Mourinho would be keen to add the Bayern star to his ranks, but with no assured place in his starting XI, Schweinsteiger may not fancy such a switch.

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Former German team-mate Michael Ballack once starred as a Blues favourite, but Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic are now a revered pair in west London, arguably sitting among Europe's finest partnerships.

James Olley of the London Evening Standard even goes as far as to label Matic a potential Player of the Year contender:

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Schweinsteiger's importance to both Der FCB and Germany is huge, with Jan Aage Fjortoft praising his appointment as national team captain following Philipp Lahm's retirement:

His current deal will run out next summer, where it's possible Schweinsteiger could seek to experience football outside Bayern, the club he's represented his entire professional career.

The playmaker joined the club's academy in 1998 and has no plans of hanging up his boots 17 years on, and he was recently quoted by Stefan Coerts of Goal.com as saying:

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I think I can keep playing at the highest level for three or four more years. I am really happy that I managed to return to full match fitness and that I managed to make a few appearances before the winter break.

I don't know whether there have already been talks [between Bayern and my agent]. I am relaxed about the situation and I am focusing on what matters most. That's all I can do. I just hope that we will have some great games in the Champions League and will be challenged in the Bundesliga as well.

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Schweinsteiger's comment regarding not knowing of any talks might suggest Bayern aren't champing at the bit to extend his deal, either.

Despite his quality, the player will have just turned 32 at the beginning of the 2016-17, when the club may feel they've got the best out of their servant and choose to hand the reins to younger talents.

It's little more than speculation at this juncture, though, as Bayern undoubtedly feel indebted to a player with whom they have won seven Bundesliga titles, seven DFB-Pokal trophies and a Champions League crown.

Whatever the case may be, Pep Guardiola's side may not dither on Schweinsteiger's deal for too long, with a long line of suitors surely in place willing to jump for his services should they become available.