Newcastle consider move for Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger

PSG and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing the German defender.

The brouhaha over the imminent sale of Chelsea football club has raised plenty of questions. With the future of the West London club unclear, players with contracts almost running their course are hedging their bets.

Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger have contracts that expire in the summer. The club had hoped to retain the service of the trio, but the dynamics have changed, and the club would have to make far-reaching decisions.

Different clubs have swooped in for some of Chelsea's players. Azpilicueta and Christensen seem bound for Barcelona on free transfers, but Rudiger’s future is unclear. The German defender wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, but there is no agreement.

A few clubs are interested in the services of the German, with PSG and Real Madrid top of the bill. Newcastle United is the latest to join the party, as they look to beat the others to his signature.

Newcastle join the fray for Rudiger

The recent success story of English giants Chelsea would not be complete without the mention of Antonio Rudiger. The German defender was integral to the success at Chelsea in the last couple of years. Under Thomas Tuchel, Rudiger blossomed into a world-class defender, earning the admiration of top clubs.

The 29-year-old is on the verge of leaving the Blues, as his contract runs out in the summer. According to the defender, he wants to remain at Chelsea. However, a few digits separate both parties from an agreement.

Newcastle want to capitalize on the impasse between Rudiger and Chelsea to snare the defender. The latest moneybags in the English game are considering luring the German to St James Park but face competition from PSG and Real Madrid.

Newcastle have the financial might to pull off the coup but remain cautious in their approach to dominating the league.

Issues in hand

It was a busy January for Newcastle as the Toons brought in several players to beef up the squad. The club brought in Eddie Howe, who has overseen a vast improvement.

Howe has led the team out of the relegation zone. It is the first issue the club faces. Newcastle wants to avoid relegation and are currently seven points above the bottom three and look safe at the moment.

Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier joined the Magpies in January. Other signings include Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes. The reinforcements injected new life into the club, and they can start to project to next season.

The club is interested in Rudiger but needs to sort out a few issues. As per The Telegraph, Newcastle wants to sign the defender. They are worried about how his arrival would affect the wage structure at the club.

Rudiger is angling for £200,000-per-week at Chelsea, and the Magpies are unwilling to sign players earning over that figure. It is unlikely that Rudiger would be willing to accept a figure below £200,000-per-week.

Chelsea are still trying to convince the German defender to remain at Stamford Bridge. Rudiger waits to see if Newcastle would bend their rules to accommodate him.