Manchester United to launch £15million January move for Bayern Munich star

Manchester United are set to launch a £15million bid for Bayern Munich star Philipp Lahm this January.

Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned at his ageing Manchester United defence, with Gary Neville in the twilight of his career and doubts over Rio Ferdinand’s long-term future.

Rafael is seen as Neville’s successor, but Ferguson sees 25-year-old Lahm as a potential mentor to the young Brazilian.

Lahm is seriously considering his Bayern future after he was fined for publicly questioning Louis van Gaal’s role as manager.

He criticised Gaal’s transfer policy and squad rotation system, and the outburst has plunged his future at Bayern in doubt.

They are off the pace in the Bundesliga and on the verge of exiting the Champions League at the group stages.

Lahm and Co are four points behind second-placed Juventus with just two games to go in Group A.

If they fail to reach the knockout stages, Ferguson will test the waters with a January raid for Lahm.

United are keen to tie up a deal for the German international before his price-tag soars after the World Cup.