Manchester United will try to sign another central defender when the summer transfer window opens. That's according to the Manchester Evening News, who are reporting that United have already held talks with Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
The Old Trafford club have reportedly held talks with the agents of Rudiger, who looks set to leave the Blues at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract. The report goes onto add that United have 'little expectation' of the Germany international joining them, though.
Rudiger apparently wants assurances of Champions League football next term and United are unable to give that right now. Ralf Rangnick's side are currently in a fierce top four battle with Arsenal and Tottenham as we approach the final weeks of the season.
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At the moment, United have Raphael Varane, who joined the club last summer, and Harry Maguire as their first-choice options in the centre-back position. Varane, though, has struggled with injury problems all season, while Maguire has been in poor form throughout the campaign.
There's no surprise that United are interested in Rudiger, then. The German has been imperious for Chelsea ever since Thomas Tuchel was appointed head coach around 14 months ago. Chelsea are unable to negotiate new terms with Rudiger at the moment due to the UK Government licence they must currently operate under since sanctions were imposed on Roman Abramovich last month. Tuchel, when speaking about Rudiger's future at the club, insisted the Blues' "hands are tied".
"I would try to meet him if I was any other club. He’s still our player, we still think there’s a good chance he stays our player once things are solved," Tuchel said on Rudiger.
"This situation is the situation at the moment. Our hands are tied. We cannot speak, negotiate with him and his agent. Fair enough if it’s true that he listens to other offers. That’s the way things go but I am still confident."
