Real Madrid ‘re-assessing possibility’ of signing Chelsea defender
Real Madrid are reportedly back in for Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger after the defender impressed in their Champions League quarter-final.
This is according to ESPN, who say Rudiger’s name is back on the agenda as Los Blancos look to improve their defence over the summer.
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The German was previously linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, however, multiple sources suggested that Real Madrid had ended their pursuit.
In February, Defensa Central reported that the La Liga giants were no longer interested due to Rudiger’s contract demands, instead ‘prioritising’ Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana.
The 29-year-old was impressive for Chelsea in their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, scoring in the second leg in the Spanish capital.
Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season and is looking for a fresh deal worth around £200,000 per week, which is a large contributing factor to the fact that his future has not been settled.
Madrid’s rivals, Barcelona, reportedly held ‘secret negotiations’ with the player’s representatives last month.
Man Utd, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Rudiger.
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is expected to take over at Old Trafford in the summer and is keen on bringing the Germany international to Manchester, as per the Daily Mail.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said on Twitter: “Erik ten Hag to Manchester United, here we go! Agreement on contract now set to be completed. Mitchell van der Gaag, priority candidate for coaching staff.
“Ajax & Man United in contact to discuss €2m clause – announcement timing depends on this [not today/tomorrow].”
The 52-year-old has helped Ajax win the Eredivisie title twice and has also lifted the KNVB Cup on two occasions.
He will become the permanent long-term successor to Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who was replaced by Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis earlier this season.
