There continues to be speculation over the future of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
The German’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has yet to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
The Express have picked up on The Athletic claiming that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both ready to meet Rudiger’s wage demands.
Bayern continue to be linked with Rudiger despite their sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic dismissing reports linking them with the centre-back.
Speculation he could join Bayern was fuelled by their coach Julian Nagelsmann praising him during a recent press conference for his “aggressiveness” and describing him as a “decisive” player.
But Salihamidzic has suggested that too much has been read into those comments.
“It’s not okay when we talk about players who are with other clubs,” he told DAZN, as reported by Goal.com
“Julian said that about him in the press conference, but he’s a coach who sees a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he rate an international and speak about his strengths?
“We are really well filled in the centre-back position. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez is here, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we really are very, very well staffed.”
Spanish newspaper Marca say Rudiger has taken the decision to leave Chelsea and that Real Madrid could be interested in signing him.
In January he can 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 recently 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.”
The Daily Telegraph have reported that Rudiger is stalling over the offer of a £140,000-a-week contract and that this has alerted Bayern and Juventus.