Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in the summer transfer window, it has emerged.
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Manchester United transfer gossip
The German international appears to be one of Louis van Gaal’s main transfer targets ahead of next season as the Dutchman already begins planning for strengthening his squad again.
Van Gaal brought in many new faces in his first summer in charge as the likes of Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo all joined the club, while Radamel Falcao was also signed on a season-long loan from AS Monaco.
It may be, however, that United are still keen to improve their options in central midfield as they eye up Schweinsteiger; with Herrera often in and out of the team throughout the season, Blind sometimes used at left-back, and the 33-year-old Michael Carrick struggling with numerous injuries, another purchase in this position makes sense for the club.
At the age of 30, Schweinsteiger is perhaps not at the peak of his powers, but still brings a wealth of experience and quality to Old Trafford if he does make the move. A World Cup winner with his country last summer, the versatile midfielder has also won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in an entire career so far spent with Bayern.
Still, the player has featured less regularly this term, making only 19 league appearances (14 starts), his lowest total since 2002/03 when he was also still turning out regularly for the club’s youth team. It may well be that manager Pep Guardiola would not stand in the way of his exit if reports from German source Kicker on United’s interest prove to be true.
Schweinsteiger has also played under van Gaal before, with the ex-Netherlands boss making him a key part of his side during his time in charge at the Allianz Arena. Given that United are reportedly considering alternatives to long-term central midfield target Kevin Strootman after his injury (according to the Daily Mirror back in March), a move for this proven all-rounder who knows what van Gaal expects of his teams looks a sensible and smart move.