Chelsea have some competition in their pursuit of Roma defender Antonio Rudiger in the shape of Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Antonio Conte was believed to be close to sealing a £30million centre-half, but Pep Guardiola is a fan, and has thrown his hat into the ring.
The Mirror reports that City, like Chelsea, have also “been scouting Rudiger for the past few months” and will “make an offer to Roma”.
But they will have to move fast.
SunSport has previously reported how Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims Rudiger’s agent and brother has taken a flight to London to negotiate a deal.
It’s said that Chelsea are willing to pay £30million for the 24-year-old after his long-term injury scuppered a move last summer.
Rudiger is capable of playing in either a back-three or four-man defence, making him ideal for Antonio Conte’s tactics.
Chelsea have also been linked with Roma teammate Kostas Manolas, who failed to show for his Zenit medical yesterday despite a £30m move being agreed in principle.
However, it seems the Blues are looking to push ahead with a move for the younger Rudiger after selling Nathan Ake to Bournemouth.
But Manchester City entering the race gives them the chance of getting revenge on Chelsea.
Tiemoue Bakayoko is close to joining the London club, but was also believed to be on Guardiola’s radar too.
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