Schweinsteiger set for new deal – report

Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to sign a four-year contract extension that would keep him at the German champions until 2016.

Schweinsteiger, 26, has a contract with Bayern until June 2012, but German daily Bild said the Germany star is now ready to commit a further four years with the Bavarian giants.

Sources close to Schweinsteiger said he could sign the contract before Christmas.

Both Real Madrid and Manchester United are reported to be interested in luring Schweinsteiger away from Munich and Bayern have said they will do everything they can to keep their star.

In the wake of Bayern’s 2-0 defeat at Schalke on Saturday night, sporting director Christian Nerlinger refused to confirm Bild’s report, but said he is optimistic.

“It doesn’t matter when he signs, just as long as he does and I am confident we can convince him,” Nerlinger said on German television.

At Bayern’s annual general meeting last week, president Uli Hoeness told Munich’s members it is “incredibly important” that Schweinsteiger stays.

Bayern, who are currently seventh in the league, have already secured the long-term services of defender Philipp Lahm, midfielder Franck Ribery and forward Thomas Mueller, the top scorer at the last World Cup.