Six clubs reportedly looking to sign Rudiger

Six leading European clubs are reportedly looking to sign Antonio Rudiger on a pre-contract agreement.

There is speculation over the defender’s future as his Chelsea contract expires next summer and he has yet to agree a new deal.

Rudiger, 28, would be able to walk away on a free transfer at the end of the season unless he signs a new contract or is sold when the transfer window reopens in January.

In January he can also agree terms with non-English clubs to move on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

And according to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth, there are no shortage of potential takers for Rudiger.

“Chelsea are likely to have to make defender Antonio Rudiger among the highest paid players at the club if they are to keep him at Stamford Bridge,” Sheth said.

“Rudiger has entered the final year of his contract and talks are ongoing with Chelsea over a new deal.

“Sky Sports News has been told six of European football’s top clubs are ready to offer Rudiger a pre-contract in January ahead of a free transfer.

“Rudiger loves the club and will continue to give 100 per cent, but – at 28 – will assess all his options before committing to what he believes will be the biggest and most important contract of his career.”

It comes after several newspapers reported that Rudiger could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Telegraph say he is stalling over the offer of a £140,000-a-week contract and that this has alerted Bayern Munich and Juventus.

The Times ran a similar story, suggesting that Chelsea fear Rudiger could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.

The Express, meanwhile, declared that Chelsea are “terrified” Rudiger could walk away for nothing next summer if he sees out his contract.

French publication Le10Sport recently claimed Paris St-Germain are considering a move for Rudiger, who has also been linked with Tottenham.