Ex-Red Devil Bastian Schweinsteiger has included Manchester United target Declan Rice in his top five current midfielders.
West Ham United’s captain has frequently been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years, but given the Hammers have previously slapped a £150m asking price on the England international, the Red Devils have looked elsewhere.
The 23-year-old’s contract with the Irons expires in 2024, but David Moyes’ side do have the option of extending Rice’s stay by a further 12 months.
Rice doesn’t look to be on United’s radar currently with his England teammate Jude Bellingham and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong seemingly ahead of West Ham’s number 41 in Erik ten Hag’s desired targets.
Bastian Schweinsteiger includes Manchester United target Declan Rice in his top five current midfielders
However, neither Bellingham, De Jong or even Manchester United’s midfield enforcer Casemiro were included in Schweinsteiger’s top five current midfielders.
The German World Cup winner, who made 35 appearances for the twenty-time league champions, was asked the question by fellow former Red Rio Ferdinand on the latest Vibe with FIVE podcast.
The 38-year-old stated that with him watching players who played in a similar position to himself (deep-lying midfielder) – that had a bearing on his decision.
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Alongside Rodri, Joshua Kimmich and former United man Paul Pogba, Rice was the fourth and final player to be named.
Speaking about Rice’s qualities, the former Germany international said: “I do also like Declan Rice. He’s really doing smart things on the field.
“I appreciate when someone is turning their head all the time and checking things out.
“The balance between offensive and defensive is very important these days.”
While Bellingham is more of a box-to-box player, it was certainly a surprise to see Casemiro not included in Schweinsteiger’s list.