City’s Guardiola determined not to lose another transfer target to Chelsea’s Conte

Having lost in the battle to sign Monaco’s 22-year-old midfielder to Chelsea, Manchester City boss is willing to do everything not to lose another key transfer target to the Premier League champions.

Antonio Rudiger’s proposed switch to Chelsea is on hold as the Roma star considers a surprising approach from Manchester City, reports say.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is keen to wrap up a deal to sign the Germany international, who he identified as an ideal signing after John Terry and Nathan Ake left the club.

The Premier League champions were believed to have agreed a £33million deal with Roma and the player himself appeared to fuel speculation linking him with an imminent transfer by liking a picture of Chelsea’s new kit.

But City are said to be ready to hijack Chelsea’s bid for the 24-year-old as Pep Guardiola eyes further reinforcements having signed Bernarndo Silva for £43m last month.

Having entered the transfer race, the Daily Mirror say City are prepared to table an improved offer to the Serie A club in a bid to beat Chelsea to Rudiger’s signature.

Rudiger, 24, fuelled speculation linking him with Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

And it is claimed interest from the Etihad has forced the German to alter his plans as he was set for a medical at Stamford Bridge in the early part of next week.

Instead, the player will reportedly discuss his options with his representatives over the coming days and come to a decision whether to stick with Chelsea or opt to join Guardiola at City.