Manchester United Transfer News: Bastian Schweinsteiger Addresses Recent Rumours

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger would not be drawn on rumours linking him with a summer move to Manchester United.

According to ESPN FC, the 30-year-old is a target for the Red Devils, but he would not entertain the speculation. As noted by the aforementioned source, he spoke to Sky after Bayern's final game of the season: "I am under contract until 2016. I'm glad that you asked. I won't comment on it."

Pep Guardiola admitted that Schweinsteiger's destiny was in his own hands. Per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC, he said: 

"

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.

"

The German international's campaign has been marred by injury and the arrival of Xabi Alonso, meaning he has been reduced to just 21 starts, per WhoScored.com, but nevertheless has managed a respectable five goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Further, Schweinsteiger has maintained an impressive 88 per cent passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season (h/t Squawka), so he would fit in well with Louis van Gaal's possession-focused style.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Van Gaal, having worked with Schweinsteiger at Bayern, is well aware of the midfielder's impressive talents.

Schweinsteiger is certainly a player for the big games, as he demonstrated at the World Cup last year.

Schweinsteiger capped an excellent tournament with an outstanding performance in the final, in which he ran more than any player on either side (h/t Raphael Honigstein of the Guardian).

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Indeed, Honigstein declared the trophy as "Schweinsteiger's World Cup:"

The creative midfielder would not represent a long-term investment for the Red Devils, but if they can acquire his services at a reasonable price, then he would make a fine addition to United's midfield.

Younger and more mobile than Michael Carrick and far more experienced than Ander Herrera, United would enjoy several good years out of the German.

Van Gaal will have a difficult task in prying him away from his boyhood club, but if he can manage that, United will reap the rewards as they look to return to their title-challenging ways.