Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings has said that Germany team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger should follow him in joining the club from title rivals Bayern Munich.

Schweinsteiger, only 23, has often been overlooked this season by coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and Frings, who left the Bavarian giants in 2005 to join Bremen, urged the winger to consider the Weserstadion as a destination next season.

"We could really do with 'Schweini'," he said. "In Bremen he wouldn't have the pressure that he has in Munich. Here he would be able to play more freely.

"If he is no longer part of Bayern's plans, he is welcome with us. We would welcome him with open arms."

Bremen coach Klaus Allofs has refused to rule out a bid for Schweinsteiger after another German international, Tim Borowski, agreed to move the other way at the season's end - from Bremen to the Allianz Arena.

The decision will not be Hitzfeld's however: Bayern will be led by Juergen Klinsmann next season, who coached Schweinsteiger with Germany - along with Frings and Borowski - in the 2006 World Cup.

Bremen and Bayern are level on points at the top of the Bundesliga during the present mid-season break.

Elsewhere in Germany, Hertha Berlin striker Marko Pantelic may be set for a move to the Premier League with West Ham or Fulham.

His agent Mark Sherman said: "I received a phone call from West Ham United and Fulham and they told me they are interested in Pantelic.

"It's not the first time I've had some phone calls for Marko.

"Chelsea, Villarreal and Lens were also asking about him in the summer. "

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport