Manchester United Transfer News: Thomas Muller Reportedly Eyes Move, Top Rumours

Thomas Muller is reportedly ready to leave Bayern Munich, and his preferred destination would be Manchester United.

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t the Manchester Evening News' Alex Porter), Muller is open to leaving the Allianz Arena as he has had less playing time under manager Carlo Ancelotti in 2016-17, and he is attracted by the prospect of working under Jose Mourinho.

As noted by Porter, United have been heavily linked with the German forward in the past, but Bayern have refused to consider any offers.

When Louis van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford, it was revealed United had even gone as far as bidding for the Bayern academy graduate, per Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (via Sky Sports' Gerard Brand).

Season	Apps	Mins	Goals	Assists
2016-17	18(3)	1612	1	10
2015-16	26(5)	2345	20	5
2014-15	28(4)	2374	13	10
2013-14	25(6)	2173	13	10
2012-13	25(3)	2102	13	11
2011-12	33(1)	2702	7	7
2010-11	32(2)	2801	12	11
2009-10	29(5)	2645	13	6

It is conceivable, though, that Bayern could now be open to selling the 27-year-old Muller, who has been some way off his best in 2016-17.

Though he has provided 10 assists in his 21 Bundesliga starts so far this term, Muller has netted just one goal, per WhoScored.com.

Bayern have proved this season that they are more than capable of performing wonders without him in the starting XI.

In both of their 5-1 drubbings of Arsenal in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Ancelotti opted to play Thiago Alcantara in the No. 10 role behind Lewandowski instead of Muller, with Douglas Costa, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery variously deployed on the flanks.

Power Sport Images/Getty Images

Given Muller's remarkable consistency in previous seasons, it is unlikely Bayern would be prepared to let him go cheaply—he has a contract to 2021.

But if he does express a desire to go elsewhere and United are prepared to make a hefty offer, it is not an impossible transfer.

United need added firepower in their attacking line, as key striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now 35 and cannot be relied upon to score consistently for much longer.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann has previously been touted as United's primary summer target, but the Red Devils' hopes of snapping up the Frenchman are reportedly fading, per Miguel Delaney in The Independent.

Muller would be a brilliant alternative target as he is a natural goalscorer, is experienced and can perform effectively in a range of attacking positions.