Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly plotting a shock transfer swoop for Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger just a year after leaving Chelsea. The German defender left Stamford Bridge after his contract expired before sealing a free transfer to Los Blancos.
Rudiger was at times, though, left out of crucial games by Carlo Ancelotti, including the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City despite doing brilliantly to keep Erling Haaland quiet in the first leg. The 30-year-old was a crucial player for Chelsea during his time in west London but has found himself be rotated in and out of the starting lineup at Madrid.
Rudiger is under contract with the Spanish giants until 2026 but may be tempted by a return to the Premier League if he is guaranteed minutes in his preferred centre-back position. Spanish news outlet El Nacional have claimed that United are looking to convince the German defender to make the switch to Old Trafford by offering regular first team football and an improved salary package.
Ten Hag poached Casemiro from the Santiago Bernabeu last summer with the Brazilian midfielder helping to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford. Raphael Varane's injury woes at United have resulted in ten Hag plotting a move to sign Rudiger ahead of next season as he looks to add a world-class defensive partner to his squad alongside Lisandro Martinez.
United are said to be planning a £51 million offer for the 30-year-old as they look to bolster their defence. However, the report adds that club president Florentino Perez is not considering selling Rudiger for any price.
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United have also been linked with Monaco defender Axel Disasi but face competition from Newcastle United. Chelsea signed Disasi's former team-mate, Benoit Badiashile, in January with the Blues now seeming to have finally filled the void left by Rudiger last summer.
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