Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Thomas Muller and Ashley Cole Rumours

Manchester United target Thomas Muller is "increasingly keen" on a move to the Premier League club, according to the latest reports. However, the Red Devils won't be signing Ashley Cole this winter transfer window.

Bayern Munich superstar Muller has been speculated as one of the biggest names on United's shopping list in recent months, and TransfermarketWeb reported he's opening up to an England switch (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson).

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

A price of £75 million has been attached to the versatile attacker, who made his senior Bayern debut under Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

Speaking to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag in October, Muller gave United hope in the chase for his talents after admitting Premier League wages make for a big temptation (h/t Daily Mail's Anthony Hay):

"

In the end, we should not forget that playing football is our job. So people should accept that wages will always play a role in a player's decision-making. Of course, the wages that are being paid in the Premier League are very tempting. It would be hypocrisy to deny that.

You have to look at the complete package to determine whether something is right for you. What's good for you one day will not necessarily still be good for you the day after.

I know that a lot of German clubs are unhappy with the Premier League clubs' spending, but I think it is something good for all clubs in the end.  It can only be a good thing for football when clubs invest so much money.

"

Muller could provide a one-man solution to numerous issues at Old Trafford considering his ability to play out wide, in a No. 10 role or up front.

The 26-year-old has 20 goals to his name from 22 appearances this season, and as Breathe Sport illustrated, recently etched his name into the Champions League record books:

"

Thomas Muller is now the youngest player in Champions League history to reach 50 wins! https://t.co/8PgVA75I1W

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) November 24, 2015"

Van Gaal is in need of attacking reinforcements after his side ran to a 0-0 draw against West Ham United on Saturday, their fifth stalemate of the campaign and another example of how tame the team can be.

The offer of lucrative wages may be the edge United need to recruit an individual of Muller's standing, but German newspaper Kicker reported a verbal agreement has been reached to extend his deal at Bayern (h/t ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld).

Riccardo De Luca/Associated Press

The injury concerns surrounding Manchester United's left-back role mean moves will be made in the January transfer window to beef up the squad's options in that part of the pitch, according to latest reports.

The Press Association reported free agent Ashley Cole won't be a part of those plans, however, as he "is not being considered" (h/t Mirror).

Luke Shaw is a doubt for Euro 2016 after breaking his leg in a clash against PSV Eindhoven earlier this season, while back-up Marcos Rojo has also been plagued by injury concerns of late.

Central defender Rojo does boast the highest average number tackles per game among United players, according to Sky Sports Football:

However, keeping the Argentina international fit has proven problematic.

Cole was released by Roma in August with a year remaining on his deal at the Stadio Olimpico and managed just 16 appearances during 2014-15 after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.

The ex-England international would most likely demand significant wages despite now being 34 years of age, and it appears United will assess other options rather than bring Cole back to the Premier League.