Manchester United look set to be making a surprise bid for World Cup superstar Thomas Muller.

The Independent has reported that Louis van Gaal believes the German ticks all the boxes for his team and his philosophy. With Manchester United being weak up front the manager is looking to improve his attacking options for next season. Muller and van Gaal have a fantastic relationship as the 25-year-old midfielder had his career breakthrough whilst the Dutchman was in charge at Bayern Munich. It is believed Muller has a £40million price tag but Van Gaal would be a very happy man if they managed to entice such a star to the club.

The rumours started that a move might be possible, earlier in May, when Muller opened up in a press conference about his “special relationship” with the 63-year-old leader. Muller told the press, “Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes beyond that which is normal between a player and a coach.” The German has a contract with Bayern until at least 2017 with an option to extend until 2019 so it is unlikely he could be joining this season but Van Gaal is a very determined man.

It was believed that van Gaal was interested in signing Muller last season but Bayern made sure the midfielder signed a new contract whilst he was in Brazil at the World Cup with Germany so van Gaal, who was then managing the Dutch national side, could not entice him away from them.

Van Gaal has spent the season, teaching his players how he likes to play football but as the transfer window draws closer it looks like van Gaal is looking to bring in players who already know his style. The Red Devil’s first signing, Memphis Depay, has played under the gaffer before so will fit straight into his team. This is unlike Angel Di Maria who, despite having a lot of talent, has struggled to find form this campaign. Van Gaal does not want to bring in another set of players who he has to teach again and Muller is versatile, determined and a strong player who also knows just how the Dutchman likes to set up his team and the philosophy behind it.

While Muller would fit into the team extremely well, the German World Cup winner is still a beloved favourite at Bayern Munich. At Manchester United there have been many rumours that Robin van Persie, who was instrumental in his first season for the club but has struggled this campaign, could be out of the club during the summer transfer window. The Dutchman’s future at the club is in doubt and with van Gaal looking to raid his own club; Muller would be the perfect replacement. He has scored 21 goals and racked up 13 assists in all competitions this season and would be the perfect replacement with out of luck van Persie who could be on his way to Roma.

Muller is Bayern Munich’s version of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard so it will take an awful lot to make him be tempted to leave the club but if the right offer was on the table there is a chance he could be tempted away and it would be only for one reason - his relationship with Louis van Gaal.