Manchester United plot summer move for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller

Manchester United are preparing a move in signing Bayer Munich star Thomas Muller this summer, according to the Independent.

The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer but put the speculation to bed by signing a new contract with the Bundesliga winners. His current deal will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2019.

United have the services of Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, along with James Wilson as the first choice strikers in the squad. The Colombian international is on a season-long loan from AS Monaco and it is unlikely the Red Devils will sign him on a permanent transfer after a disappointing campaign.

The former Arsenal striker has one year left on his contract. Van Persie's future at Old Trafford is also uncertain after a dip in his form this term. Louis van Gaal is looking to strengthen his attacking division and has set his sights on signing Muller.

The Dutchman gave the forward the first team debut in 2009, when he was in charge at Bayern. United believed they can use that as a leverage to negotiate with the German club in convincing Muller to leave his current employers and make a switch to England.

Muller showed his unhappiness after he was substituted during the Champions League semifinal first leg defeat to Barcelona. It is believed there is discord between the player and Bayern boss Pep Guardiola.

The German forward has publicly expressed his admiration for the United boss after Muller admitted that he has a special relationship with Van Gaal.

"It's a secret for nobody. Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes beyond that which is normal between a player and a coach. However, I have a contract with Bayern until 2017," Muller said, as quoted by the Independent.

After a disappointing Champions League exit, Bayern are looking to reshape the squad in the summer transfer window. It is still not clear if they will be open to the idea of letting one of their star players leave the club.

However, any potential transfer of Muller to United will see the 20-times English champions spend close to £40m ($62.8m) for his services. He has scored 21 goals and managed 14 assists in all competitions this season.