Manchester United are ready to blow their transfer policy wide open in a bid to lure veteran German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.
United do not usually buy players over the age of 27 in order to make sure that everyone they bring in will still have value if they want to move them on.
However, manager Louis van Gaal is so keen to bring some much needed know-how and European experience to the centre of his midfield that he has persuaded chief executive Ed Woodward to break with usual club practice and make a serious attempt to sign Schweinsteiger, who will be 31 by the time next season kicks off.
The Munich star, who has won eight Bundesliga titles and one Champions League crown, currently has a year left on his deal at the Allianz Arena and talks over a new deal have reached an impasse.
It is this stand-off that United hope to exploit and Sportsmail can reveal that United have already initiated contact and that Schweinsteiger even visited Manchester recently under his own steam to have a look round the area.
Indications from inside Old Trafford last night were that a deal is some way off but that the club’s interest remains real.
Not only does Van Gaal have to persuade a player he worked with when he was coach of Bayern between 2009 and 2011 to leave Germany but United also face the challenge of talking one of the biggest clubs in Europe into selling to one of their traditional rivals. However, the fact that United have made contact over Schweinsteiger indicates just how badly Van Gaal feels his midfield needs bolstering by somebody who can walk straight into the squad and perform at the highest level.
The last time United signed what they consider an ‘over-age’ player was three summers ago, when Sir Alex Ferguson bought Robin van Persie from Arsenal at the age of 29.
The Dutch forward subsequently helped United to a Barclays Premier League title and, despite his relatively modest form since, executives at Old Trafford remember the remarkable impact a ready-made player can have.
Meanwhile, United sources have revealed they are not overly worried by suggestions from Germany that defensive target Mats Hummels has agreed to stay with Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc claimed Hummels had decided to remain at his club but United believe the German international still wants to come to Old Trafford and will keep him high on their list of targets. – Daily Mail