Manchester United remain in contention to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer, according to reports in the German media.
Uncertainty around the Blues’ ownership situation has halted negotiations over a new contract, prompting further speculation that the 29-year-old could leave Stamford Bridge when his current deal expires in June.
Rudiger is said to be talking to a number of different teams, including Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, and fans on Twitter have been debating whether the player would actually be interested in joining United:
Would be a mint signing
— Nevilles finest (@eauzi231) March 19, 2022
We have nothing to offer him besides money. If we have to overpay him I would rather we go for someone else
— Greg Nihotte (@g_nihotte) March 19, 2022
Rudiger & Varane 😍 pic.twitter.com/VV12aXi9UU
— THE JUICEEE 💉💉 (@Kylewok_) March 19, 2022
Not seeing this happening
Real Madrid or Bayern Make more sense— Abdulhadi Abobaira (@abduabobaira) March 20, 2022
He is using other teams to get new big contract at Chelsea
— Temianga 🇹🇿 (@OfficielMosley) March 19, 2022
It would take an insane wage offer for Rüdiger to come to United. If for some reason it doesn't work out with him and we want to move him on, it will be impossible because nobody will want to match his salary. This to me seems like a familiar story at United.
I am sure
— Marcus MFH 🇧🇷🇩🇰 (@Eric_Can_Tuna) March 19, 2022
I would try and sign him. Get him alongside Varane
— Ryan Buss (@RyanBuss700) March 19, 2022
So you are saying we haven't learnt anything from our Alexis Sanchez fiasco?
— Abdullah Naveed (@abdnaveed4) March 19, 2022
There has been some talk in Italy that Rudiger has agreed to move to Italy but that is not believed to be the case. In terms of wages, it is believed that the German international had preliminary agreed a new £200,000 a week contract with Chelsea before discussions were ended.
As things stand, it is thought that Rudiger would prefer to stay in London but, if he is forced to leave, it seems United will be one of the teams waiting in the wings to snap him up.