Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gotze

Manchester United will be boosted by the news that Bastian Schweinsteiger is "flattered" by their interest.

According to the Guardian's Marcus Christenson, Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed Schweinsteiger is considering a move to United, saying: "I have spoken to Bastian on the phone while we have been on holiday and will speak again now that he is back. I cannot deny the fact that I have understood during these conversations that he is flattered by the interest from England."

The news will be well received by United manager Louis van Gaal, who worked with the 30-year-old during his spell with the Bundesliga champions.

The German made just 21 starts last season because of injury problems and the arrival of Xabi Alonso, but he still managed to score five goals and contribute eight assists in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

As WhoScored.com note, the classy midfielder is a master of keeping the ball, and Squawka Dave illustrated his willingness to run and tirelessly close down opponents:

The Guardian's Raphael Honigstein was full of praise for Schweinsteiger during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and he clearly considered him one of the players of the tournament:

Former footballer Jan Aage Fjortoft believes a move could be on the cards:

As Schweinsteiger has so far been a one-club man and is highly regarded by Bayern fans, it's possible that both he and Rummenigge are reluctant to explicitly admit that he is looking to leave or the club are hoping to sell.

However, with Alonso perhaps ahead of him in the pecking order, a move away from the Allianz Arena is certainly possible, especially with Schweinsteiger entering the final year of his contract.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Though Schweinsteiger turns 31 in August and would not offer a long-term solution, the midfielder is a cut above United's current central-midfield options, and his experience in the Champions League and international football would make him well suited to adapting to the Premier League.

If they have the opportunity to sign him, United should take the chance with both hands.

Christenson's report also indicates that a deal involving Angel Di Maria heading to Bayern in exchange for Mario Gotze or Thomas Muller had been proposed, but Rummenigge ruled out that possibility, saying: "That has never been our thinking and not Manchester’s either."

Though Gotze or Muller would be fine additions to any side, Van Gaal would be wise to give Di Maria at least one more season to rediscover the form he displayed at Real Madrid.

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Despite several injuries restricting his playing time, as well as Van Gaal often playing the Argentinian out of position as he experimented with his team, Di Maria still managed a respectable three goals and 10 assists in his debut season in the English top flight.

Given more time and if he were utilised correctly, the 27-year-old's undoubted class will surely shine through, and he has the ability to be a real game-changer for the Red Devils.

If Van Gaal can unleash the Di Maria we saw in Madrid, United will be well on their way to challenging for the title once more.