Manchester United Transfer News: Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger Rumours

Manchester United are looking to plunder the ranks of Bayern Munich—with both Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger emerging as key targets—with the German press claiming the latter has moved closer to a move to Old Trafford. 

German magazine Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness) say Schweinsteiger's transfer to United has moved a step closer, with the Red Devils and Bayern in positive early negotiations. The German international will be shown the exit door in order to allow Javi Martinez and Thiago Alcantara pivotal midfield roles. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Sport Bild also proclaim the midfield legend could be used as a makeweight in a deal to see Angel Di Maria move to Bavaria, as reported by Lee Thomas-Mason of Metro. Schweinsteiger has been given a £7.5 million valuation by the Bundesliga champions. The player is entering the final year of his current deal, and at 30 years old, he will not command a huge fee. 

It is believed Bayern would like to acquire the Argentina winger as they look to the future—beyond Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery—who might have completed their best days at the club. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently told Sport Bild there has been no official approach by any club for Schweinsteiger, and that he would only consider his exit if the midfielder put in a transfer request, as reported by Will Giles of Metro: "In our view, it’s clear: We could only consider a change if Bastian came to us with a specific request. That is not the case."

United boss LvG has admitted he is looking for a player who can play as a deep-lying midfielder, with the team struggling in the absence of Michael Carrick, per Sean Kearns of Metro:

"

The number six is a key player, yes. I have more key roles—the number six is just one of those key roles. You have seen this season, for example, because Carrick is injured and I don’t have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. He did it very well but it is not his speciality. That is why it is a key role but I cannot discuss other positions because then I show too much.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Schweinsteiger started just 15 games for his club in the Bundesliga last term, per WhoScored.com. He provided five goals and four assists in their run to the title. But injury prevented his full involvement and it is easy to see why Pep Guardiola would now focus on fresher talent. 

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was enthused by the potential capture of the German, claiming he would be an excellent purchase, along with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid:

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

In other news, United are said to remain keen on a possible swoop for Thomas Muller, with Sport Bild (h/t Sport Witness) reporting Louis van Gaal is not accepting Bayern's refusal to sell. The German outlet claim United have made a move for the World Cup hero, but Bayern "consider him to be a player they won't negotiate for."

Both players would be fabulous transfers for United, but it is Schweinsteiger who looks the more realistic signing. The player has come to the end of his tenure in the Bayern midfield, but at 30 years old, he still has plenty of miles left on the clock. 

He has the knowledge and experience to slip straight into the United team and would need very little time to adjust to the surroundings of Old Trafford. He has played in the biggest matches any individual could hope to feature in, and the pressure at United would not concern him.

If United can complete the bargain deal for the player, LvG will finally have a talent who could provide the side with the conductor they have been missing since Paul Scholes' retirement.