Manchester United close in on summer deal for Bastian Schweinsteiger

Manchester United are inching closer to a £7.5m ($11.9m) deal with Bayern Munich for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the summer, according to the Sunday People.

Louis van Gaal is keen to reunite with the German legend, who has entered his 30s and has not been a regular member of the squad in the recently concluded season. The midfielder has only a year left on his current contract and is likely to hold talks with Pep Guardiola over a new deal in the summer.

However, United are confident that they can lure the player to Old Trafford, where he will add some much needed solidity and experience in the midfield. The Red Devils currently have Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini in that position, with Phil Jones and Daley Blind as back-up in case of an injury.

Schweinsteiger has won all there is to with Bayern and Germany, but may decide to look for a new challenge in the fag end of his career. His intentions have been backed up by former German captain Lothar Matthaus, who believes the player still has a lot left in his tank to contribute at the top level.

"If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him a transfer in the summer," Matthaus said.

"If the rumours are true that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about that carefully. If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are."

However, Matthaus' views have not been complemented by Franz Beckenbauer, who believes Schweinsteiger will find it very difficult to adjust to the rigours of a new league at his age. He expects the player to stay for a couple of more years at Bayern and then move to the MLS to join the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to end his career.