Bastian Schweinsteiger has mixed news for West Ham over Mario Gotze pursuit

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West Ham United have received mixed news on their pursuit of German star Mario Gotze after new comments from football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger.

West Ham have been heavily linked with a free transfer move for Gotze when he leaves Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer this summer.

The midfielder, famed for scoring the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, has been linked with a move to West Ham by Sport Bild and The Evening Standard.

Gotze heavily linked with free transfer to West Ham

West Ham boss David Moyes will be scouting him for the remainder of the Bundesliga season (The Evening Standard).

Given his past pedigree – and despite injury concerns – Gotze’s availability on a free transfer will be the factor attracting West Ham the most.

German footballing legend Michael Rummenigge also suggested that Gotze could join West Ham in the summer, when writing his regular column for SPORTBUZZER.

Schweinsteiger gives West Ham mixed view on Gotze

And West Ham will have been encouraged after Dortmund director Michael Zorc confirmed the 27-year-old playmaker will most likely move abroad (Sky Sports).

Now another prominent name in German football, Schweinsteiger, has given West Ham reason for hope and to be fearful in equal measure over a move for Gotze.

The midfielder has seen his star fade in recent years and has only featured 20 times for Dortmund in all competitions this season.

Schweinsteiger suggested Gotze was at a crossroads as to whether he has already had his best years in football.

‘It doesn’t have to be the best club in Europe’

But the former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder says a smaller club where Gotze will play regularly could help him rediscover his spark.

“It is very, very unfortunate, I think,” Schweinsteiger told ARD-Sportschau on Gotze’s fall from grace.

“We all know that Mario Gotze was a great talent when he was younger. Now at the age of 27 or 28, these are the best years in football.

“It doesn’t have to be the best club in Europe, but I hope that he will find a club where he will play.”

Meanwhile another ex-Bayern and Germany midfielder Stefan Effenberg has also commented on Gotze.

Effenberg told Sport1 the West Ham target is an ‘outstanding player’.

But he said he lacks the pace to suit modern 343 attacking systems.