Manchester United transfer target Bastian Schweinsteiger will not be offered a contract extension by Bayern Munich, reports the Metro.
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This leaves his future at the Bundesliga champions in doubt. The 30-year-old has only one more year left on his current deal and could be available for cheap fee as a result. It is surprising that the Bavarian side and manager Pep Guardiola have let the player’s contract impasse linger considering the midfielder’s importance to the team.
The Germany international scored five goals and assisted four others in an injury-hit 28 appearances last season. He also helped his country to win the World Cup last summer, playing particularly well in the final against Argentina to demonstrate his status as a big game player.
Meanwhile United boss Louis van Gaal is known to be looking for a deep lying midfielder as he revealed it on their official website. When asked what his priority was in the transfer market, the Dutchman confirmed: “No.6 is a key player, yes.”
Michael Carrick will be 34 by the time the new season rolls around, while United are set to compete on another front after qualifying for the Champions League, leaving them potentially light in the heart of the park. Daley Blind can also play there, but his versatility means that he may be needed elsewhere.
BBC Sport have reported that the Red Devils have identified the World Cup winner as a possible solution for this role and are planning a move.
Having worked with Schweinsteiger before while in charge at the Allianz Arena, van Gaal knows what he is getting from the veteran.
The player may want to link up with his former boss as well, as it was the 63-year-old who converted him from a winger to a central midfielder. However, with Schweinsteiger having never played for anyone but Bayern, he may still have second thoughts about leaving.
However, Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer has warned his compatriot to think twice before moving abroad, sounding a note of caution that Schweinsteiger might not find the going easy overseas [ESPN].