Manchester United: Red Devils identify Julian Draxler as alternative to Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller

Manchester United are hoping to complete a move to sign Schalke star Julian Draxler before the end of the transfer window. The forward has emerged as a late target for the Red Devils.

The 21-year-old has three years left on his contract and has already been a part of Germany's World Cup winning squad in 2014. According to the Telegraph, he has rejected a chance to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit.

The situation at Schalke has alerted the Premier League giants, who are looking to bolster their attacking division. The transfer window will be closed on 1 September, Tuesday, and Louis van Gaal's side need to move quickly if they hope to complete a deal for Draxler.

United chief executive Ed Woodward is frustrated by lack of transfer activities and failure to land a marquee player. The Old Trafford club were interested in Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller and Barcelona forward Neymar.

However, both the German international and the South America star have ruled out any potential transfers as both players are set to continue with their current employers. United are now looking for other options in the transfer market.

The 20-time English champions have now turned their attention to signing Muller's compatriot. Draxler is a cheaper alternative to the Bayern forward and is available for a fee of £21m ($32.3m).

The German international's decision to reject a new deal could help United in convincing him to join them. He is looking for a new challenge away from Bundesliga and is keen on reviving his career in the new league in order to prove himself and to Germany coach Joachim Low.

United will have no trouble in meeting Schalke's asking price for Draxler. The German outfit will be looking to cash in on the player, rather than allowing him see out his contract. However, any move from the English side will see them face competition from Juventus.

The Daily Mail reports the Champions League finalists are the favourites to sign Draxler. Should both teams get into a bidding war, United could use their financial muscle to beat the Serie A winners in signing the Schalke attacker.