Goal.com claims that United executives held talks with Schweinsteiger's representatives in Munich on Thursday over an £18million move.

United are keen to beat Chelsea and Real Madrid in the race to sign Schweinsteiger.

The midfielder's contract at Bayern Munich is set to expire in the summer of 2012 and he has recently been linked with a move away from the club.

United are reportedly ready to offer Schweinsteiger a five-year contract worth £140,000-a-week.