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Former Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger names transfer 'target' in top five current midfielders

The ex-Man United ace also included former Reds midfielder Paul Pogba in his top five list.

Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.(Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE)

Former Manchester United player Bastian Schweinsteiger has included Reds 'target' and West Ham United star Declan Rice in his top five current midfielders.

The England international has been tentatively linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent years, but a transfer appears unlikely given the Hammers' £150m asking price for the 23-year-old. Earlier this year, Irons boss David Moyes insisted that the London outfit would not consider selling the midfielder unless a team meets his valuation.


Rice is out of contract at West Ham in 2024, but his club do have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. While the former Chelsea youngster is not short of suitors, United's addition of Casemiro earlier this year could see Erik ten Hag opt against a move for the Englishman.


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While Casemiro has impressed since joining the club from Los Blancos, former United man Schweinsteiger did not include the Brazilian in his top five current midfielders. The German World Cup winner was asked the question by Reds legend Rio Ferdinand on the latest Vibe with FIVE podcast.

Schweinsteiger, who made 35 appearances for the Reds during his career, named Manchester City ace Rodri, Joshua Kimmich and former United man Paul Pogba, before including Rice in his list. He didn't choose to name a fifth player.

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Discussing 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."

Rice has played the full 90 minutes in both of England's matches at this year's World Cup, with the 23-year-old partnering sought-after Jude Bellingham in the centre of the park for Gareth Southgate's side.

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