ANTONIO RUDIGER is not in any rush to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club, reports suggest.
The news comes as a boost to Chelsea, who are still harbouring hope that the 28-year-old will pen a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been allowed to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs since January 1.
But the centre-back is in no rush to commit himself to a new club, and wants to carefully select where his next project will be, according to Sky Sports.
It’s also claimed Rudiger is aware there could be interest from other Premier League teams, but they are not free to negotiate with him until the summer.
Sky go on to report that one of those interested clubs could be Manchester United.
Interim boss Ralf Rangick is said to have a good relationship with Rudiger’s brother, who also acts as his agent.
So the defender is keeping his options open amid interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
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All four European giants have contacted Rudiger’s representatives regarding a move, with Barcelona also reported to be monitoring the situation.
Rudiger rejected a proposal from Chelsea at the start of the season as the club weren’t prepared to make him the highest paid defender in the Premier League.
And talks between the two parties have stalled in recent months.
The Blues are reluctant to meet his £200,000-a-week wage demands, although there is hope he will still sign a new deal.
But Rudiger’s hesitance to hastily sign for a new club on a pre-contract agreement could afford Chelsea time to prepare a more suitable package.
When asked earlier this week about whether Rudiger will sign a new deal, Thomas Tuchel said: “I cannot predict the future.
“I don’t know if his representatives have talked to other clubs, if you know so or assume so, fair enough.
“Of course, it is possible now because it’s January and he has not signed yet.
“But as I understand it we are in communication with him, the club is in communication with him, I assume that he is very aware of what I demand from him and that I appreciate to work with him.”
