Guardiola trying to snatch Chelsea-bound German defender under Conte’s nose

Manchester City are reportedly preparing a move for Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger as the Citizens look to poach the Germany international from under the noses of Chelsea.

On Saturday, it was claimed that Chelsea had agreed a £33m deal for the defender, who would travel to England next week to sign a long-term contract with the Premier League champions.

However, according to The Mirror, Man City boss Pep Guardiola is determined to bring Rudiger to Manchester, and the Spaniard will make an effort to sign the 24-year-old, despite firm interest from rivals Chelsea.

Rudiger, who has helped Germany reach the final of this summer’s Confederations Cup in Russia, joined Roma from Stuttgart in the summer of 2015 – initially on loan – and has made 72 appearances for the Italian giants over the last two seasons.

The centre-back is contracted to Roma until the summer of 2020.