Transfer News: Manchester United hold preliminary talks with Antonio Rudiger

Manchester United have reportedly emerged as a potential destination for Chelsea’s wantaway defender Antonio Rudiger.

According to a report from Football Insider, Manchester United are prepared to make a summer swoop for Antonio Rudiger. The Premier League giants have identified the Chelsea defender as a priority summer target and are willing to match his massive wage demands in an attempt to lure him to Old Trafford.

Rudiger’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season, making him a free agent in the summer. The defender has shown no desire to prolong his stay in west London, although it appears the Blues have recently agreed to table an improved offer. It could force the two parties to be locked in negotiations over a potential contract extension.

However, Manchester United are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to make a move if Rudiger once again rejects a new deal at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League giants are willing to fork out in excess of £300,000 a week salary to the Chelsea defender, which would make him one of the highest-paid defenders in the league.

Manchester United’s desire to make Rudiger their marquee summer signing is enough to indicate their frustration towards Harry Maguire. The club captain has put in several poor performances throughout the season, including in the recent draw with Burnley. It has led to speculation over his long-term future at Old Trafford.

In addition to Maguire, the Red Devils are preparing for life without both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones in the summer, thus paving the way for them to sign a new defender that can compete with the current crop of centre-backs.

Rudiger fits the bill well, given his vast experience at the highest level of football, coupled with his leadership qualities. In many ways, the German international can be the ideal leader Manchester United have been looking for, while his no-nonsense defensive philosophy should combine well with the more technically astute figure of Raphael Varane.

Manchester United have held preliminary talks with Rudiger but are not eligible to make an official bid until the end of the season, as they are a direct league rival of Chelsea. It gives foreign clubs a major advantage in the race to sign the German, who is reportedly on the shortlist of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are already preparing for life without their experienced defensive star, having been linked with a summer swoop for Wesley Fofana, among many others. The Blues, though, will certainly prefer to see Rudiger extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.