Bayern Munich plan talks with 'flattered' Manchester United target Bastian Schweinsteiger

United boss Louis van Gaal is understood to be keen on signing the Germany captain this summer and Rummenigge says the rumours have pricked Schweinsteiger's ears.

"I spoke to Bastian Schweinsteiger on the phone while on holiday and we're going to meet again when he's back," Rummenigge said at a press conference on Thursday.

"I'm not going to hide the fact that I discerned from these talks that he is flattered by the interest from England."

The 30-year-old has only a year left to run on his current contract with Bayern while talks over a new deal do not appear to be on the agenda.

Schweinsteiger played under Van Gaal at Bayern, winning a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, part of his collection of eight Bundesliga titles and seven domestic cup triumphs for the Bavarian club.

With everything Schweinsteiger has accomplished in Germany, it's understandable that he would entertain the thought of a brand new challenge at the age of the 30. At Bayern, Bastian is almost a part of the furniture these days. Yes, he's guaranteed a fair amount of glory and plenty of money at the Allianz - but it isn't as if United will underpay him or not deliver at least a couple of major trophies during, say, a three- or four-year deal. Unless Schweini decides to end his days at Bayern, now is surely the time to jump into uncharted waters.

Michael Wollny, Eurosport.de: "Rummenigge only said that he has the feeling Schweinsteiger is flattered by the interests in England. That's nothing concrete just yet, so let’s see what will happen. That’s exactly the situation. Nobody knows what will happen, except Schweinsteiger himself. The fact is, he is not a key-player for Guardiola anymore, but for van Gaal he would be. On the other hand, Schweini is very strongly and emotionally linked with Bayern.

"If he wants to leave, however, he has to do it now! United is a great club and Bastian is 30 already. If he waits, only MLS or Qatar would be an option, but no big European club anymore. Personally I hope he would stay, as I have huge respect for club legends like Totti, Maldini, Xavi, Gerrard etc who stay with their clubs until their mid-to-late 30s."