Thomas Muller Transfer Rumours: Latest Reports on Manchester United Target
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, but are yet to make a breakthrough in their January attempts.
Continue for updates.
Bayern Reportedly Reject United's £45m Bid
Friday, Jan. 16.
Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star reports that Bayern have rebuffed United's attempts to lure Muller from the Allianz Arena:
"Sources in Germany claim Van Gaal has had a £45m bid for the prolific striker, who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, rejected.
Bayern boss Pep Guardiola is expected to reject any more approaches United make for the German international, who has three-and-a-half years left on his current contract with the Bundesliga champions.
"
Muller Rumours Emerge
Thursday, Jan. 15.
Manchester United have allegedly made a £45 million attempt to sign Muller. Such is the line from Spanish website Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro). David Wright of the Daily Express reported the same story, attributing it to "sources in Germany," which once again sees Muller linked to an Old Trafford switch.
The 25-year-old broke into Bayern's first team during Van Gaal's spell as boss and is known to have a close personal bond with the Dutch manager. He was rumoured to be a Red Devils target during the summer, but he refuted claims he would leave Pep Guardiola's Bundesliga champions.
"It's no secret that Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players," Muller said in May, per Wright.
"I know there was interest, but Man Utd were interested in a lot of players this summer," he added in September. "It never really got anywhere because I had just renewed my contract (until 2019), and Bayern were clear that they saw my future here."
Muller has scored 11 and assisted six in 20 appearances across all competitions for Bayern this season, per WhoScored. He was a key component of Germany's 2014 World Cup win and offers an old-fashioned technical style which could flourish in the Premier League.
The intelligent player's qualities are highlighted below:
Muller is capable of causing havoc with his movement through the middle, either in a striker's position or slightly deeper. Although he isn't particularly quick, he flaunts the dribbling skill to outfox opponents on the wing, making him a versatile and tactically aware addition to Guardiola's team.
This is exactly what Van Gaal needs at United. His side continue to post topsy-turvy performances and haven't won any of their last three Premier League games.
Defeat to Southampton exposed a number of individuals—namely Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie—who are struggling to adapt to their manager's demands. Muller would be a candidate to fill any of their spots.
It's unlikely Guardiola will want to cash in on such a star, however, especially as Muller is heading toward his peak years. He continues to play a crucial role in Bayern's success and is a potential match-winner whenever he steps onto the pitch.
Muller's clinical, ruthlessly efficient nature ensures he sits among Europe's elite in another Bayern campaign which looks certain to yield silverware.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
