Manchester United Transfer News: Bastian Schweinsteiger Talks Held, Top Rumours

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is "ready to exploit" Bastian Schweinsteiger's lack of contract renewal at Bayern Munich, according to Mark Ogden of The Telegraph.  

Ogden suggests Van Gaal will offer the German World Cup winner an "opportunity to move" to Old Trafford. It is reported "talks have already taken place between intermediaries and (the) United manager."

German publication Kicker (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express) also notes Van Gaal is "keen to reunite" with the player he previously worked with at Bayern.

Schweinsteiger remains easy over a new contract, suggesting his return to full fitness is his main priority right now.

"I am in no hurry to renew," admits the midfielder, per Kicker (h/t Perrin). "It is not something that bothers me because I have a year left before it expires. The important thing is that my physical problems and injuries are resolved. The rest will follow."

Christof Stache/Associated Press

Van Gaal desperately needs an alternative to Michael Carrick, whose ability to control possession often plays United out of trouble. He patrols the halfway line, linking together attacking moves and providing a shield for the side's defence. Van Gaal played a key role in moving Schweinsteiger from the wing and into a similar role to Carrick's while at Bayern, so he could call on the 30-year-old to bolster his options in the centre.

Injuries have ravaged United's squad this season, so Schweinsteiger's recent fitness problems mark him as a major risk. He has made just 14 starts in the Bundesliga this season, per WhoScored.com, but he has recently strung together consistent first-team performances for manager Pep Guardiola's side.

Schweinsteiger provided two assists in the 3-2 Champions League win over Barcelona, and then he followed up with a goal in the defeat to Freiburg. His combative nature would slot in well at United, but Van Gaal would have to ensure a mobile midfield partner is stationed next to him.

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Thoughts of Schweinsteiger mopping up while Ander Herrera buzzes may excite United fans, who can expect Van Gaal to shop in Germany this summer.

As such, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels continues to be linked with a move; however, he is said to have "rejected" United's advances, according to Kicker (via Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail).

Ladyman reports comments from Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc, who told Kicker: "It made sense that Mats was thinking about his future, but I always pointed out that we plan (for the future) with him."

Michael Probst/Associated Press

Ogden reports "United have been given no indication, however, that Hummels will reject a move to England and the club will press on with their transfer plans once the season ends at the weekend," so it's likely this story isn't over.

B/R UK's Alex Dimond recently looked at which players Van Gaal will opt to sell to make room for such stars:

Schweinsteiger is a logical choice for United. He knows Van Gaal's style, understands exactly what the manager expects from his players and, above all, remains a quality midfielder. Van Gaal lured PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay to the club after previously working with him, so he could do the same here.

United's additions need to be match-winners. For too long, squad space has been wasted on those who cannot influence results. With Champions League football secured, the Red Devils can crack on with their attempt to build a title-winning team.