Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced plans to sue Chinese toy firm DiD over its production of a Nazi doll which allegedly carries both his name and likeness.

The toy in question (pictured) is named ‘Bastian’ and carries a passing likeness to Schweinsteiger. It was set for release in Europe at £65 - a launch which looks ever more unlikely in response to the complaint.

The Bastian doll, a Wehrmacht soldier complete with swastika, has been taken as a slight by the German media due to the general adoration of Schweinsteiger as the captain of the national side.

A spokesman for DiD told Bild the likeness was "purely coincidental," adding: "We offer no figures based on the footballer."

Said spokesman then implied all Germans look the same... "The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany."

Bild reports that the footballer has reached out to DiD to reach a settlement. Following widespread media coverage, it will unlikely to be the discrete affair Schweinsteiger was hoping for.