Former Chelsea player and Germany captain Michael Ballack claims Bastian Schweinsteiger is ready to move abroad next summer. Schweinsteiger's contract with Bayern Munich runs until 2012, although talks over an extension have stalled recently, raising speculation that the 26-year-old is considering a new challenge.

And Ballack, who spent four years with the Blues, believes the Bayern Munich midfielder would "fit in well" at a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid.

"He has taken on the responsibility placed in him and is now in a phase when he is looking to reach the zenith of his career," said Ballack to Kicker magazine.

"He took a huge step forwards at the World Cup.

"He has presence, authority, personality, performance and goals - he has everything."

Ballack is one of only a few German players in recent years to have left the country and sought a challenge abroad.

"Only he will be able to feel what is right for him for the future," added Ballack.

"Of course every footballer is attracted to certain things and Bastian will feel these also. But there are not that many big clubs around and Bayern is one of them.

"On the other hand, Real or Man United are both attractive and he would fit in well at both clubs."