Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp have agreed that any club would be lucky to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free deal in the summer transfer window. The Sky Sports pundits stressed how much of a miss the 29-year-old will be for Chelsea ahead of next season.
Rudiger has been 'excellent' for the Blues since Thomas Tuchel took over at Stamford Bridge, winning the interest of Real Madrid. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants have reached a verbal agreement with the Germany international over a contract with the club.
The report adds that, while nothing is signed yet, it will be announced soon. Rudiger's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu is said to be a long-term deal, with final details to be discussed.
READ MORE: What Antonio Conte's Paris Saint-Germain decision could mean for Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku
Amid the German's potential move to Real Madrid in the summer, Keane showered the defender with praise before highlighting how United have missed a guilt-edged chance to win his signature. The former Red Devils midfielder said: "He will be a huge loss for Chelsea, what he does on the football pitch, a huge character, a very good player of course, and what he brings to the training ground and the dressing room, he is going to be a big loss for them.
"I would love Manchester United to try and go for him, and I think they have done but he has thought, no I want to win some trophies!"
Redknapp agreed and added that it would be a 'no-brainer' for any side that has the financial backing to rival Los Blancos' interest. He said: "I think we are almost guaranteed a good performance from him.
"He is a player that puts everything into a performance, he is aggressive, he wants to win, he demands the players around him. He has had an excellent season and that is why so many clubs will be wanting to get him at the end of the season on a free transfer, it is a no-brainer from their point of view."
Rudiger's contract at Chelsea is now in its final weeks, with centre-half expected to leave the club. The Blues are believed to have made him an offer before sanctions were in place but have since been unable to negotiate with defender over new terms.
Though despite Chelsea's best efforts - and United's, as per Keane - Tuchel confirmed that Rudiger will leave Chelsea at the end ofh his contract after the west Londoner's 1-0 win over West Ham last week.
The German coach said that Rudiger, who was out injured against the Hammers, informed him in a private talk. He said: "Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision.
"He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room.
"The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
