Antonio Rudiger’s agent has fueled speculation the Chelsea star could complete a transfer to Manchester United this summer.
Erik ten Hag will be looking to bolster his new club in the summer with question marks hanging over the futures of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.
The likes of Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Matthijs de Ligt, a former charge of Ten Hag’s at Ajax, have been linked with moves to United, along with Chelsea’s Rudiger.
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Chelsea appear to have lost hope of retaining the the Germany defender, with talks over a new contract having stalled as a consequence of the government sanctions the London club are currently operating under.
Rudiger had been seeking parity with with Chelsea’s top earners and a salary that befits his status as one of the Premier League toughest and most combative defenders.
His importance to the cause was underlined by his absence in midweek as Chelsea conceded four goals in a defeat to Arsenal, during which Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr made costly mistakes.
Clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona remain keen to sign the player but the Red devils look likely to offer competition given the social media activity of Rudiger’s agent.
Alongside a post of former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Saif Rubie wrote: ‘Let’s see If I can help revive this sleeping giant.’
Asked about recruitment in the summer, meanwhile, interim manager Ralf Rangick was coy in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s must win match against Arsenal.
He said: ‘This is a question for the board. My focus is on the last remaining games. It’s better you speak to the board.
‘It’s obvious there are quite a few players with their contracts expiring. There might be a few others who – although they have contracts – they are already on loan and still want to be on loan or leave the club.
‘It will be a significant change and rebuild necessary, that’s clear, but how many players and which positions, as I’ve said, I’ve not spoken to Erik in person yet.
‘If he asks me my opinion in person, I’m willing to speak to him about my experience, but on the other hand, he’ll also have his own ideas.’
