Manchester United put cards on table with mega contract offer for established Premier League star

Manchester United have approached Antonio Rudiger’s entourage with a huge deal for the Chelsea contract rebel, claims a report.

The Germany defender is out of contract this summer and so far he has failed to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge. Until this week, Chelsea have so far failed to get too close to Rudiger’s reported £200,000 per week wage demands.

According to Goal, though, the west London club have now got closer to that mark. But as yet there has been no agreement with Rudiger free to talk to overseas clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are the leading candidates to sign him from abroad.

But, according to Football Insider, Rudiger is a target for Ralf Rangnick at United.

The German has already made it clear he is hunting for a young striker, but United also believed to be hunting for a new centre-back.

When asked whether United will require a younger striker to provide competition for Ronaldo next season, interim manager Rangnick said: “This is obvious.

“Edinson’s contract is running out in the summer, and the club needs the best possible centre forward. This is an obvious one. I think everyone is aware of that.”

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger back on Bayern Munich radar

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is a target for Bayern Munich to replace Niklas Sule at the end of the season, according to reports.

However, United have already been working on a defender and, per the source, the club have “held preliminary talks over a deal” with Rudiger’s representatives.’

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Rudiger one of four defenders who could leave

United are said to be offering a “huge” deal to get the defender to Old Trafford. United officials have put a deal on the table worth more than £300,000-a-week – a contract that would see Rudiger as one of the club’s top earners.

The news probably explains why Rudiger, who has played 33 times this season, has been reticent to agree terms with Chelsea.

Madrid are also understood to be hot for the former Stuttgart man. While Tottenham, who tried to land him last summer, and Bayern Munich are also in the hunt.

Chelsea are facing something of a crisis in defence amid four players close to becoming free agents. While Rudiger’s situation has attracted strong attention, Thiago Silva, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta find themselves in the same position.

Both have also yet to agree new contracts with Azpilicueta heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

READ MORE: Romelu Lukaku makes cryptic social media post as Chelsea exit talks ramps up again