Manchester United made a serious play for Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller earlier this season, it has been revealed.

BILD's head of sport Christian Falk has made the claim.

He is quoted by The Sun: "A United representative had spoke to Müller – who was still unsatisfied with his situation in Munich.

"If Müller's role hadn't changed under coach Hans-Dieter Flick, a transfer to United would have been a topic again this summer.

"Things turned out differently again… Müller extended his contract at Bayern. The love story of Müller and United will never have a happy end."

It could have all been different if he had moved to Old Trafford in 2014 when Louis van Gaal was keen to be reunited with the 100 cap German international.

Falk added: "It was very, very close to being implemented. Van Gaal absolutely wanted Müller in 2014, and Müller could also imagine a future in Manchester.

"There were also unofficial phone calls between the player and the coach. Van Gaal said to Müller: 'I want you!'

"But the Bayern bosses never thought United would pay the necessary transfer fee. But then a fax from United arrived at the FC Bayern office.

"The finance boss Jan-Christian Dreesen later confirmed to me there was a total of over £90million as an offer. But Bavaria still declined.

"Thomas Müller is FC Bayern and FC Bayern is Thomas Müller. Such a unique relationship in football isn't given up for money."