Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is said to be a long-term admirer of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger with the player's future still up in the air - and the Blues will reportedly need to make him the top-paid defender in the Premier League if they want to keep him next season.
The centre-back's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season and an agreement is yet to be reached on a new deal.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham have all been linked with a free transfer, with Chelsea still hopeful of agreeing fresh terms with the German.
After helping Chelsea to the FIFA Club World Cup, Rudiger put the pressure on the club to make a satisfactory offer over a new deal, insisting that where he plays next season is up to the Blues.
"I feel great here, I have always said it," Rudiger told The Athletic.
"I think the way I play you can see that I’m happy here. But there are also other people who have to make decisions."
Rudiger has been an ever-present under Thomas Tuchel and, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen edging towards the exit door, he will be determined to hang onto his star defender.
However, Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that in order to tie him down, Chelsea will have to make him the highest paid defender in the Premier League, amid potential interest from the Red Devils boss.
"Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is a long term admirer of the player," he said, as reported by the Sky Sports transfer blog.
"It is understood Chelsea would have to make him the highest paid defender in the Premier League to keep him, while foreign clubs know they could potentially make up the required financial package in the form of signing on bonuses as a move would not require a transfer fee.
"Rudiger himself is fully focussed on playing for Chelsea. Head coach Thomas Tuchel continues to pick him despite his contract situation - Rudiger has played more minutes than any other Chelsea player this season."
