Even though a swap deal involving Ander Herrera and Xherdan Shaqiri makes little sense, the rumour has really gathered momentum in recent days. The Spaniard only joined Manchester United over the summer, yet Bayern Munich are understood to be sniffing around amid talk that he’s not settled in as well as expected. To convince Louis van Gaal to part with the playmaker the Bavarians are thought to be ready use Xherdan Shaqiri as bait, with the Dutchman said to be keen on the Swiss star – who is also wanted by Liverpool and Spurs.
But with United hardly in need of an orthodox winger, surely there are better options in the Bayern squad for a potential swap deal? We think so, and here are FIVE the Red Devils may want to push for should Bayern make a concerted effort to land Herrera.
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CLICK ON BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER TO REVEAL THE FIVE
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Holger Badstuber
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With a centre-back much needed at Old Trafford, why not kill two birds with one stone and arrange a swap deal involving Herrera and Badstuber? The 25-year-old German is a commanding and authoritative defender, but with competition for a starting spot high, he has only made three outings in the league this term – albeit with injures a contributing factor.
A Bayern youth product, the enforcer may take some convincing to leave. Yet the lure of regular action and a key role at the Theatre of Dreams could sway his thoughts.
Pepe Reina
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With David de Gea reportedly edging towards the Manchester United exit door, the Red Devils may need to start shopping around for a new goalkeeper. The Spaniard has been so impressive this season that Real Madrid are circling, and with Champions League football a virtual guarantee in his homeland, the stopper may be tempted.
Reina, although an ex-Liverpool man, is an option to be involved in a swap deal, with the La Roja star having not made an appearance for the Bavarians since his summer move. ‘Pepe’ only joined Bayern a matter of months ago, yet he could be tempted away with regular action and a return to the Premier League. With Manuel Neuer the No. 1 at the Allianz Arena, the Bundesliga champions might be willing to offer cash and Reina to land Herrera.
Thomas Muller
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Perhaps the most underrated player in Europe, Muller really does deserve more recognition. The German ace is somewhat overshadowed by big names at the Allianz Arena, but at United he would be one of the main men – which might well appeal to him.
An impressive goal scoring record at club and international level makes Muller an interesting option, and it’s rumoured that Van Gaal himself is a big fan of the adaptable 25-year-old. Convincing him to leave Bayern may, however, be tough…
Javi Martinez
Martinez is another player United may benefit form snapping up, with the Spaniard a potential answer to the midfield woes at Old Trafford. While Herrera is a creator, his compatriot is more of a ‘destroyer’ in the midfield, with his powerful frame and defensive abilities making him an adept player in front of his own backline.
Martinez has been injured for much of this season, but he could be worth the gamble for LVG, who desperately needs to add some energy and a combative nature to his rearguard. He can also play at centre-back…
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger was another former player Van Gaal chased over the summer, with the German international a star the Dutch coach had a major influence on earlier in his career. LVG converted the 31-year-old from a promising wide midfielder to an all-conquering central player, benefiting Bayern immensely.
The Bavarians’ vice-captain, keeping Schweinsteiger is thought to be a priority, but a new challenge may tempt the player himself – who would offer more physicality than Herrera, as well as a greater sense of leadership give his vast experience.