Bastian Schweinsteiger should reject the advances of Manchester United and remain with Bayern Munich this summer, according to German legend Franz Beckenbauer.

Schweinsteiger, 30, is reportedly one of United boss Louis van Gaal’s top targets this summer as the Dutchman bids to strengthen his midfield to mount a serious Premier League title tilt next season.

Bayern legend Beckenbauer, who played for the Bundesliga giants and managed them briefly on two separate occasions in the 1990s, thinks the Germany international should remain at the Allianz Arena for the foreseeable future.

“I would advise him not to go to England. He can stay here as well. This challenge, at his age, it’s not what he needs,” Beckenbauer is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Beckenbauer enjoyed spells in the USA with New York Cosmos after leaving Bayern Munich, and he believes Schweinsteiger should follow a similar path and move to MLS after his stint with the German champions comes to an end.

He added: “I would play one or two more years in Munich, at this high level. And then, if he still wants to and if he still feels like playing football is the thing, he can make a step back and maybe go to the USA.

“In New York, Cosmos is searching for players, also Red Bull. So I think if he, as a world champion, goes to New York or another club in the Major League Soccer, that would greatly improve the standing of football there.”

Schweinsteiger is out of contract next summer and as such Bayern may be open to a sale if it becomes clear he will not sign a new deal, while it has been suggested United could use Angel di Maria as part of their bid to land the midfielder.

Bayern are 1.08 to claim the Bundesliga title next season and Manchester United are 6.00 to win the Premier League outright.