Muller is priceless for Bayern - Lahm

The forward continues to be linked with Manchester United, but the Bundesliga champions' captain has underlined his importance to the club

Philipp Lahm  says  Thomas Muller  is priceless for Bayern Munich amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to  Manchester United .

Reports in Germany over the weekend claimed United had tabled an €85 million bid for the Germany international as they look to secure a marquee signing before the end of the transfer window.

Lahm, however, has underlined Muller's importance to Bayern and does not believe the 25-year-old will be moved on.

"Thomas is one of those role models who you can't attach a price-tag to. He lives for Bayern, he is a very, very important player for us," Lahm told Munchner Mekur.

Bayern have already allowed Bastian Schweinsteiger to move to Old Trafford this summer, prompting further accusations that Pep Guardiola is changing the club's core idendity, following the departure of Toni Kroos in 2014 and the signing of Brazilian Douglas Costa.

"There shouldn't be a concern about Bayern's identity," Lahm stressed. "Look at the team: Thomas Muller, Holger Badstuber, David Alaba, me - all from the youth team.

"We have Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, who have been here so long that their hearts practically beat red."

Lahm was also keen to stress that Bayern's Bundesliga title defence will not be easy this term, despite them walking to the championship in each of the last two years.

"I've always said there are four or five teams who can compete for the title. Dortmund are one of them. This is not, in my view, just a Bayern hunt," he said.

Finally, the 2014 World Cup winner - who retired from international football after Germany's success in Brazil - has reiterated that he will not return to Joachim Low's set-up, although he did back an uncapped Bayern team-mate as an alternative.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I stick with my decisions. I don't regret it, it was well thought through. I had a wonderful time, but there's no way back for me," explained the 31-year-old.

"Rafinha is a great guy, he has huge class, he's been playing at the highest level - why shouldn't he be an option for Low?"