Manchester United Transfer News: Giant Thomas Muller Bid, Contract Rumours Arise

Bayern Munich have rejected a £50 million offer from Manchester United for German forward Thomas Muller, according to Richard Tanner of the Express.

"United have now firmed up their interest by offering a package worth £120 million in fees and wages over a five-year contract," writes Tanner.

This would equate to £70 million in wages across the five-year deal; £14 million per year and approximately £269,000 per week. This is totally possible at United, who pay Wayne Rooney £300,000 on a weekly basis.

Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal brought Muller into the Bayern first team during his spell in Bavaria and was linked with a move for the player during last summer's transfer window.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Muller is more than happy to remain at the Allianz Arena, reported by Sport Bild (via ESPN FC):

"

Thomas Muller on reported Man Utd links: "I feel fine at Bayern and my contract runs until 2019. There is nothing more to say."

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 1, 2015"

The 25-year-old is a versatile scorer and creator of goals. He doesn't possess tremendous speed or physicality, but Muller intelligently finds space and is capable of gliding around opponents with the ball at his feet.

He scored 13 and assisted 10 along Bayern's route to the 2014-15 Bundesliga title, per WhoScored.com, the exact same numbers as the year before. He can play anywhere along the forward line or in a deeper midfield role, making him an extremely useful asset to any top club.

Muller delivers on the big stage, having scored 10 goals in 13 World Cup matches, and was key to Germany winning the 2014 trophy in Brazil. Bayern boss Pep Guardiola would have a difficult time replacing his output, and indeed, replicating his throwback style.

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Van Gaal should be looking to follow up the signing of Memphis Depay with world-class, ready-to-perform talent. United need to improve on last season's fourth-placed finish and cannot afford to start the upcoming Premier League slowly. Champions Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal will all strengthen considerably.

Muller signed his most recent contract in June 2014 during the initial batch of United links. It's unlikely he would have done this if he planned to move so soon afterwards.

Guardiola's team are overwhelming favourites to win the Bundesliga in most seasons and rarely fail to put together a solid Champions League run, something Muller may not want to exchange for a rebuilding process at United.

Van Gaal often sticks with who he knows in the transfer market. His decision to sign Dutch internationals Daley Blind and Memphis—two players who starred under his tutelage at 2014 World Cup—highlights this. Muller would also emphasise the feeling that Van Gaal is looking to sign players he can trust.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell suggests the manager has plenty of options to work through:

Muller would be a statement signing for United and Van Gaal. Supporters are waiting for the squad to take shape ahead of an important season for the club.

Potential deals for Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sergio Ramos and Morgan Schneiderlin continue to rumble on without success, per Tanner, so frustration may set in soon.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is currently keeping quiet over possible acquisitions, a tactic which raises the tension even further.