Man Utd hold talks with agents for Chelsea defender Rudiger

Manchester United are seeking a new centre-half signing this summer.

The Manchester Evening News says United held exploratory discussions with the representatives of Antonio Rudiger, out of contract in Chelsea at the summer, but there is little expectation of the Germany international joining them.

Sources close to the player are more focused on discussing potential contracts with clubs guaranteed of playing in the Champions League next season. Although United are three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, their next three fixtures are away at Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Chelsea at home.

United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in the summer and while the 28-year-old has excelled in the majority of his appearances, Varane has missed 15 matches through injury or illness.

Varane was United's first-choice target, with Villarreal centre half Pau Torres their back-up option last year. Torres has helped Villarreal reach the Champions League semi-finals and is likely to start for Spain at the World Cup.