Man United target Schweinsteiger could leave Bayern this summer, claims Kahn



Former Bayern Munich and Germany captain Oliver Kahn thinks that Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United, may soon be a serious transfer target for Europe’s top clubs.



The midfielder has struggled for a regular place in Pep Guardiola's side this season, and Kahn told German football bi-weekly kicker that he 'could understand it completely if Bastian were to leave'.

He also remarked that: 'If you have an offer from a club like Bayern, Barca or Manchester United, you have to accept it'.

Moving on? Bastian Schweinsteiger could well leave Bayern Munich this summer, according to Oliver Kahn

Don't see eye to eye: Schweinsteiger has only played 10 league matches for Bayern' Pep Guardiola this season

Reinforcements: Despite landing £37.1m Juan Mata, Man United boss David Moyes still wants to strengthen

Kahn went on to say that clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona 'always have a particular aura', but Schweinsteiger would also be likely to attract interest from Manchester United.



He has been linked with the club on several occasions, most recently last summer, when there were rumours of a potential 40 million Euro bid from United. The 29 year-old would offer David Moyes an injection of much-needed experience into his side’s problematic midfield, even considering the arrival of the £37.1million Juan Mata from Chelsea.



The German international has had recurring injury issues over the last few seasons, which Kahn puts down to the increased intensity of the game.



Club legend: Bayern Munich and German international Oliver Kahn celebrates during his playing days

Since the beginning of this season, speculation has been growing in Germany as to whether the midfielder can maintain his place in Pep Guardiola’s enviable midfield.



Although the Bayern coach has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Schweinsteiger, the player has only made 10 Bundesliga appearances so far this campaign.

With the likes of Thiago, Javi Martínez and Mario Götze now all back from injury, places in Bayern’s midfield are becoming an increasing rarity.



Competition: Javi Martinez Return: Mario Gotze Favourite: Thiago Alcantara

Primary target: If Man United are unable to prise Toni Kroos away from Bayern, Schweinsteiger is a good option

David Moyes was spotted at Bayern’s away win over Borussia Mönchengladbach at the weekend – the United coach reportedly having Toni Kroos in his sights.

Kroos’ contract talks are ongoing, though Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has expressed his absolute desire to extend the midfielder’s contract.



Kroos has been one of the few regular first XI players under Guardiola this season, and is reportedly looking to double his wages with the club.



Importance: Schweinsteiger needs regular playing time to keep in the plans of national boss Joachim Low

Should he prove out of reach for Moyes, Schweinsteiger may be a valid Plan B. His contract at Bayern expires in 2016, and if he is to move on, they would be looking to attract a significant transfer fee.

Regular match practice at a club like United may also help Schweinsteiger maintain his status in the national team.



The challenge for places among so many top midfielders is also very high in Joachim Low's team, and Kahn thinks that, to avoid becoming a problem for Germany, Schweinsteiger needs to up his game. 'He needs to take on this challenge, and also return to fitness.'

Kahn’s interview in kicker also touched on his own experience with United, the goalkeeping legend admitting that 'I think I alienated Sir Alex Ferguson a bit, I was very close to agreeing to join.'



In the end, he said, he had wanted to shape an era at Bayern, which had convinced him to reject more lucrative offers from other clubs.



