RUD AWAKENING Antonio Rudiger ‘wants to talk to new Man Utd manager about transfer’ as Chelsea defender considers quitting for free

CHELSEA star Antonio Rudiger would only consider a move to Manchester United if he spoke to the new permanent manager first, reports suggest.

Posted Friday, March 25, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

Rudiger's contract with the Blues runs out in June and it seems highly unlikely he will renew amid the club's financial woes after Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions.

RUD AWAKENING Antonio Rudiger ‘wants to talk to new Man Utd manager about transfer’ as Chelsea defender considers quitting for free
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has been linked with Manchester United Credit: Reuters

According to Bild's Christian Falk, the centre-back won't make any decisions regarding his future before the Champions League quarter-final matches against Real Madrid.

Real are also interested in the 29-year-old star, but a return to the Bundesliga appears unlikely as Bayern believe he is too old for the wages he's demanding.

United are looking to bolster their defence but they would have to find a new manager first if they wish to sign the Germany international.

Falk tweeted: "[Rudiger] will make no decision before the Matches against [Real Madrid] about his future.

"He hopes on the one hand that the difficult situation at [Chelsea] will be cleared up. On the other hand: Real is also still interested."

He added: "A decision about a future of [Rudiger] at [United] is difficult. Rudiger would like to Talk with the new Coach before…"

And he posted: "NOT TRUE that [Bayern] is still interested in [Rudiger].

"The bosses think he is too old for such an investment. For a transfer he would have to lower his wage demands."

As it stands, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is the favourite to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the dugout when Ralf Rangnick moves up to a consultancy role.

Ten Hag is among United's top targets along with Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has also been touted after Abramovich's assets were frozen due to Russia's unjust invasion of Ukraine and his alleged ties with president Vladimir Putin.