Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has refused to comment on speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.
The 30-year-old German is out of contract next summer and could be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena this summer after falling out of favour.
Pep Guardiola prefers to play Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara or fit-again Javi Martinez in the middle of the park and has also converted full-backs Philipp Lahm and David Alaba to play there.
It leaves Schweinsteiger’s role in the team increasingly uncertain and reports suggest he could be tempted to end his 17-year affiliation with the club to join United.
When questioned about his future at the club after Bayern’s final Bundesliga match of the season – a 2-0 victory over Mainz – Schweinsteiger told Sky: “I am under contract until 2016.”
And on the link with Manchester United, he said: “I’m glad that you asked. I won’t comment on it.”
Reds boss Louis van Gaal played a major role in Schweinsteiger’s career during his spell in charge of Bayern, shaping him into the powerful, energetic “midfield motor” which has run the midfield for both club and country in recent years.
The Dutchman’s presence at Old Trafford could be enough to tempt Schweinsteiger to the Premier League and Van Gaal has confirmed he is in the market for a midfielder this summer.
“No.6 is a key player, yes. I have more key roles – the no.6 is just one of those key roles,” Van Gaal told the club’s official website.
“You have seen this season, for example, because Michael Carrick is injured and I don’t have another, I have to play with Ander Herrera there. He did it very well, but it is not his speciality.”
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