A Devil-ish allure
Bastian tempted by interest from Manchester United
LONDON: Bastian Schweinsteiger is weighing up his future at Bayern Munich – after having his head turned by interest from Manchester United.
Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits German star Schweinsteiger is “flattered” by interest from United.
The versatile midfielder, 30, made his debut for the Bundesliga giants in 2002 and has spent his entire career with the club.
But now it appears he could be ready for a change of scenery.
Rummenigge said: “I have spoken to Bastian on the phone while we have been on holiday and will speak again now that he is back.
“I cannot deny the fact I have understood during these conversations that he is flattered by the interest from England.”
The move would be a far cry from United’s recent transfer policy of bringing in talented youngsters.
But boss Louis van Gaal clearly believes his side need more experience in the middle of the park.
Rummenigge has also denied that Bayern are tempted to lure Angel Di Maria to the Allianz Arena in a swap deal involving Mario Gotze or Thomas Mueller.
He added: “That has never been our thinking and not Manchester’s either.”
Meanwhile, Robin van Persie’s £8mil (RM47mil) switch to 19-time Turkish Super League champions Fenerbahce now appears to be little more than a formality.
Club doctors have travelled to the UK to press on in securing what would be a marquee signing for Fenerbahce.
They are willing to meet the £200,000 (RM1.2mil)-a-week wages Van Persie is demanding – despite having fallen out of favour with Van Gaal.
United won the Premier League title during the striker’s first season at Old Trafford following his £22mil (RM128mil) move from rivals Arsenal in August 2012.
But he struggled to find his best form last term as United finished fourth in the table.
RVP will join former United teammate Nani in Istanbul following the Portuguese winger’s switch to Fenerbahce earlier this week.