Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Thomas Muller, Aymeric Laporte Rumours

Thomas Muller has spoken about his special relationship with Manchester United coach Louis van Gaal, with rumours suggesting the World Cup hero's time at Bayern Munich might be in question. 

Lewis Rudd of the Metro explained Muller's relationship with Pep Guardiola has deteriorated in recent weeks, with the attacker reacting poorly to his substitution in the 3-0 semi-final defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

Rudd said LvG has reportedly tried to sign the player twice during his year at the Old Trafford giants and quoted Muller speaking out about his favourable connection to the Dutchman:

"It's a secret for nobody. Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes beyond that which is normal between a player and a coach. However, I have a contract with Bayern until 2017.” 

Simon Mullock of the Mirror recently confirmed the ill feeling between Muller and Guardiola and said Van Gaal previously "sanctioned" a £40 million bid for the player, prompting Bayern to hand the 25-year-old a new deal to ward off interest.

The player was pivotal for his country when they successfully won the World Cup in Brazil, and he has once again had a strong season for his club as they retained the Bundesliga.

Muller's record has reflected his contribution this term, scoring 19 goals in 39 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances, per WhoScored.com, also providing 13 assists.

He is the type of versatile attacker United need, able to play in all of the forward positions and do a job in midfield. And with Wayne Rooney at the point of the attack, LvG requires a player who can operate in and around the channels, rather than predatory strikers, such as Radamel Falcao or Javier Hernandez.

United Set To Capture Aymeric Laporte

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

United also have reportedly taken a step closer to landing one of their primary targets with the news Aymeric Laporte is set to join the club from Athletic Bilbao in a multimillion pound deal. 

George Bellshaw of the Metro wrote the young defender could join in a £30.5 million transfer, according to Fichajes.net. 

Bellshaw said Bilbao are "resigned to one of their top players leaving this summer, and the Frenchman [Laporte] has pinpointed Old Trafford as his next destination."

However, football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes the 20-year-old should move to Real Madrid, becoming one of the reigning European champions' new Galacticos:

United's recent games have once again shown the frailties in defence, and despite his young age, Laporte would be the kind of centre-back the team needs. He is a cultured individual and could fill the gap left by Rio Ferdinand, giving Van Gaal the choice of selecting a progressive defender. 

The Red Devils have a good stock of central defenders, but none of them have the potential to be world-class entities, unlike the Bilbao player. Paddy McNair has been the surprise of the campaign and will surely feature more heavily next term, but United need to revamp proceedings and add fresh blood. 

Muller would be a dream capture for United, and with Liverpool failing to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Champions League football is all but guaranteed for LvG.

This factor is incredibly important for the Dutchman in his pursuit of top talent, and it could be the element that draws a player like Muller away from his club to join the Van Gaal revolution at United.