Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Bastian Schweinsteiger, Dani Alves Rumours

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has told Bastian Schweinsteiger he "must decide" his own future amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.  

Speaking during his press conference on Friday ahead of Bayern's Bundesliga fixture with Mainz on Saturday, Pep confirmed he wants the German midfielder to remain with the club, as reported by Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN.co.uk: "He has to decide I can't make the call for Basti. He's a Bayern player, and he is under contract. He's an outstanding legend at the club, but he has to decide, not Pep or (CEO) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. He has a contract, and is part of my plans for next season."

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Mark Ogden of the Daily Telegraph previously reported United boss Louis van Gaal will aim to "exploit" Schweinsteiger's lack of contract renewal by luring him to Old Trafford. The midfielder's current agreement expires at the end of next season, as reported by Transfermarkt.co.uk.

Schweinsteiger is more focused on returning to full fitness than inking a new deal, as reported by Kicker (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express): "I am in no hurry to renew. 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."

Van Gaal needs to find an alternative midfielder to Michael Carrick during the summer. Although Schweinsteiger would be a short-term solution, Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail believe he suits the club perfectly:

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A cut-price £10 million deal has been reported by Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, who suggests, "Van Gaal has spoken to Ed Woodward and the United chief executive is keen to do a deal."

Cross believes the ageing midfielder has become "disillusioned with life" at the Allianz Arena and "is keen on a fresh challenge." Van Gaal enjoyed a profitable relationship with Schweinsteiger during his tenure with Bayern and may opt to plug United's midfield with someone he can trust.

Alves Set to Confirm Barca Exit

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United's chances of landing Barcelona full-back Dani Alves have seemingly increased with reports indicating the Brazilian will announce his departure on Tuesday.

Cadena SER (via Spanish publication Sport) reported the news of Alves' likely exit:

The aforementioned article confirms Alves will reveal all after Barca's final La Liga game of the season. United are linked to the 32-year-old's capture, according to Metro (h/t the Daily Telegraph), but they will have to move quickly to secure his future on a free.

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com believes the former Sevilla star is closing in on a megadeal with Paris Saint-Germain: "After failing to reach an agreement with the blaugrana, the Brazilian-wing back is close to agreeing to a three-year deal with PSG with an annual salary of €3 million after taxes per season."

Spanish football expert Sid Lowe made his feelings known on Alves:

Van Gaal has utilised winger Antonio Valencia at right-back this season, rarely providing Rafael with a chance to impress. The Daily Telegraph's report suggests he is "keen" on Alves, but they would have to offer in the region of £150,000 to entice him toward Old Trafford.

PSG, like United, are looking to quickly improve to launch an attack on the Champions League next season. Landing Alves on a free will rank among the bargains of the summer, particularly as he's enjoyed resurgent form for Barcelona this season.

B/R UK's Alex Dimond recently looked at which United players are likely to leave during the summer:

Van Gaal is still linked with a move for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, as reported by James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, but there's a sense Alves' capture could provide United with a unique spark from the back.

The Premier League has the added bargaining chip of Champions League football to throw at potential signings, something which could prove tempting to Schweinsteiger, Alves and many others who are yet to experience the English top flight.