Manchester United Transfer News: Angel Di Maria to Bayern Munich Talks Reported

Manchester United and Bayern Munich have "opened talks" over the transfer of Angel Di Maria, despite the German champions dismissing the player's €50 million (£35 million) valuation, according to Bild (h/t James Benge of the London Evening Standard).

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola admires Di Maria's quality, but on Thursday suggested he wouldn't stump up anywhere near the £59.7 million United paid for him last summer, reported Christian Falk of Sport Bild:

Guardiola also referred reporters to the club's officials when asked if the Argentine is someone he wants to sign, per Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft:

French publication L'Equipe indicated United are looking to recoup approximately £43 million on Di Maria and that Bayern aren't his first choice if a move goes ahead, tweeted via B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson:

Di Maria has returned to form at the Copa America, leading Argentina to a 6-1 win over Paraguay with two goals. United supporters will hope to see him replicate such confidence at Old Trafford next season, where he has the potential to be a key star.

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Consistently poor performances saw pressure build on Di Maria during his debut campaign with the club. His energy, pace and willingness to move forward can bring about sloppiness at times.

Last season he often struggled to beat opponents—completing 1.7 dribbles and being dispossessed 1.2 times per game, recorded by WhoScored.com—while also successfully executing just 77.8 percent of his passes in the Premier League. Di Maria needs runners ahead of him, something United failed to provide with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao last term.

He'd fit in well at Bayern, who combine attacking ambition with buzzing movement through the centre and along the flanks. The club recently unveiled the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Douglas Costa, however, as confirmed on Twitter:

The Brazilian predominantly works from the right wing, so there's still room to fit Di Maria on the opposite side or in central midfield. Guardiola likes to play neat passes through the middle, though, as underlined by Xabi Alonso's capture last summer. Di Maria is prone to giving the ball away in search of doing something special whenever he receives possession.

United boss Louis van Gaal may be considering the possibilities of playing Di Maria and new signing Memphis Depay either side of Rooney in a front three. This would finally provide United the pace they need to counter-attack, and if a sturdy holding midfielder is added, it could add balance to the side.

It seems unlikely that United would opt to cash-in on the player so soon, especially if they are set to make a loss on their investment. Di Maria needs a second season to show what he can do at the club and there will be no shortage of suitors if it doesn't work out in a year's time.

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With a little luck and a lot of hard work, the 27-year-old will end any rumours of his departure by not only nailing down a spot in United's first team, but by regularly leading the team to victory.