Manchester United 'lining up Bastian Schweinsteiger transfer'
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is plotting a move for Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger, it has been reported.
( 0 ) Related Tags:Alex FergusonGermanyschweinsteigerSouth Africatransfer.The Bayern Munich midfielder has shot to the top of the Scot's shopping list – and he could make his move as soon as January, according to the Sunday Mirror.
Schweinsteiger could be Old Trafford bound, if reports are true (PA)
Schweinsteiger is only 18 months from the end of his contract at the Allianz Arena and Bayern bosses are said to be coming to terms with the fact their prized asset is looking to move on.
However, Ferguson should not expect an easy ride when it comes to landing the playmaker, who shone at last summer's World Cup in South Africa.
Both Premier League champions Chelsea and local rivals Manchester City are also interested in the player, the newspaper suggested.
.While United know they cannot compete with either club financially, they plan to move quickly in order to secure their target.
Ferguson believes Schweinsteiger can be lured from southern Germany in January, particularly if he shows no interest in signing a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
While the German club will not admit they want to cash in, they could be tempted by a cash offer to avoid losing their man on a free transfer in 2012.
The Red Devils are in need of midfield reinforcements, with former Bayern star Owen Hargreaves still struggling to shake off long-term injury problems and Paul Scholes now the wrong side of his 36th birthday.
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