MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle are ready to lay down another marker in the transfer market by bringing Antonio Rudiger to Tyneside this summer.
Chelsea defender Rudiger, 29, has established himself as one of Europe’s most imperious centre-backs but is set to depart Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
Failure to reach an agreement over a new deal in West London means the German international will soon be out of contract, with plenty of parties showing interest.
Real Madrid has been considered his most likely destination for some time but are now set to face competition from the wealthy Magpies, according to the Telegraph.
Though Rudiger would prefer to play in the Champions League, Newcastle’s Saudi ownership are hopeful of tempting him with a lucrative offer.
It would represent a marquee capture for the improving Toon, who are unbeaten in eight Premier League games and have won five of their last six outings — helping quash relegation fears.
Manchester United are another club paying close attention to the situation, with the Express suggesting Ralf Rangnick enjoys a strong relationship with Rudiger’s agent.
However, a lack of clarity over who will be in the Old Trafford dugout next term is sure to hamper any negotiations.
While several clubs clearly fancy their chances of landing the German, there is still a possibility he will extend his stay with the European champions.
Rudiger is well-liked at the Blues and boss Thomas Tuchel has made no secret of his desire to see his countryman stay put.
However, the 48-year-old coach admits that out-of-contract stars may opt to depart Stamford Bridge this summer due to ongoing uncertainty over Roman Abramovich’s sale of the club.
When asked on the topic last week, Tuchel said: “The bottom line is maybe we can’t help it. It is what it is.
“You never know, maybe it [the sale] has a positive effect on the negotiations or maybe it has a negative effect.”
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are two other Chelsea stars who could walk away for free this summer, with both linked strongly with Barcelona in recent weeks.
In other news
Arsenal may attempt to re-sign former winger Serge Gnabry if they qualify for the Champions League, according to Football London.
The Sun claim that Jurgen Klopp wants to bring Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to Liverpool, though he could cost up to £150million.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa are currently intending to make Philippe Coutinho’s loan switch from Barcelona permanent for a fee of around £33m in summer.
