Transfer news: English clubs have made moves for Stuttgart's Antonio Rudiger

Former Stuttgart boss Thomas Schneider, now assistant manager of the German national team, has admitted to fielding interest from English clubs in Antonio Rudiger.

Schneider was relieved of his managerial duties at the Bundesliga side in March.

He spent less than a season at the club’s helm, but did take in a winter transfer window.

It was during that time that he became aware of how sought-after a commodity Rudiger had become.

The 21-year-old is considered to be one of the most promising defenders in Europe, but Stuttgart have been reluctant to enter into transfer talks as they believe his ongoing development will be best served within their ranks.

Schneider said of Rudiger, who has already won two senior caps for his country: “Toni is a player of incredible potential. He is a great force and is strikingly fast too.

“Even if he does things wrong from time to time, a player like Jerome Boateng did too when he was the same age.

“I am convinced that Toni is one of the talents that will go to the very top. There were many enquiries from top Premier League clubs when I was manager of Stuttgart.

“But for Toni, it’s most important to get regular first team football. He needs to add more consistency to his game and needs to have more stability.”

Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham United are among those to have been heavily linked with a move for Rudiger.