Report: Manchester United want to sign Chelsea’s £29m man but there’s one big problem

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s pursuit of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly stalled due to the vagueness around who will be their next manager.

According to 90min, the Old Trafford hierarchy haven’t made major inroads to land the German international because Ralf Rangnick’s successor is still to be decided.

Ralf and Rudi

The futures of both Rudiger and Rangnick remain very much up in the air at the moment.

United’s interim coach will most likely step down from his dugout role and into a consultant position at the end of the season unless he performs miracles in the next few months.

His advisory instincts have apparently already kicked in.

90min claim Rangnick has highlighted the areas in United’s team that need enhancing to the football director, John Murtough.

Central defence is a position he picked up on, with Rudiger admired as one of the primary targets.

United want an Antonio

Chelsea’s dominating centre-back has become a hot proposition for many sides across Europe, due to his uncertain contract situation.

In June, he will become a free agent, unless the Blues can come to an agreement over a new deal before then.

Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been circling the £29m (BBC) signing from Roma.

Talks had progressed slightly recently, but Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club has since scuppered those conversations.

Unless Abramovich’s successor is installed soon, which won’t be likely, Rudiger could be heading towards the exit door again.

United will hope he walks into their open arms, yet until they sort their own furniture out, they better start thinking of alternatives.

Perhaps they could go after Cesar Azpilicueta, another Chelsea player with an expiring contract.

They have seemingly missed the boat to land Andreas Christensen, though, as his move to Barcelona is on the cusp of being completed.

 Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts