Bayern Munich's Thomas Müller (L) to join Bastian Schweinsteiger at the Old Trafford? (Photo : Reuters)
Bayern Munich's Thomas Müller is reportedly planning to join former teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger in Manchester United, according to the Sunday Express.
The 25-year-old Germany International was said to be interested in reuniting with his pal at the Old Trafford's side, where he is expected to earn a huge salary increase.
This is a welcome development for United boss Louis van Gaal, who had been eager to acquire the World Cup winner the whole summer to boost his squad's striking options. Van Gaal had already offered two bids for the German winger, the last of which amounting to £60 million, which the Bundesliga club readily rejected.
Rumors recently emerged that Bayern manager Pep Guardiola was already agreeable with the deal to transfer and generate cash for Müller, maybe due to their recent on and off field disagreements, but CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was adamant that the Weilheim in Oberbayern native should stay with the Bavarians.
Rummenigge said that he does not want the German league to "fall further behind" their English counterparts, and so he wants Müller to keep on playing for Bundesliga.
Latest reports from Metro said that the Red Devils are "ready to pay" £56.7 million for the German offhand if the Allianz Arena residents would call them up right now.
Van Gaal had long been interested in adding another forward to his lineup after the departures of three of his best offensive weapons, Robin van Persie to Fenerbahçe, Radamel Falcao to rival Chelsea, and expensive signing Ángel Di María to Paris Saint-Germain.
The mass exodus left the 63-year-old with only team captain Wayne Rooney as his only legitimate attacking option. Aside from Müller, van Gaal was reportedly interested in Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as well.
