Chelsea turn attention to a surprise German defender as agent flies in for negotiation

Chelsea are in talks to sign Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, according to reports in Italy.

Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Germany international’s brother and agent is travelling to London to negotiate with the Premier League champions.

The report claims that the early figure between Chelsea and Roma for the 24-year-old is €35 million (£30.8m), although a fee is yet to be agreed between the two clubs.

Antonio Conte is said to be a keen admirer of Rudiger and tried to bring him to Stamford Bridge last summer.

It’s claimed that Chelsea had agreed a €25m deal with Roma but the defender suffered a cruciate ligament injury in June which scuppered the deal.

Rudiger, who is capable of playing in central defence or at right-back, missed the start of last season due to the setback but still made 35 appearances in all competitions for Roma.

Chelsea remain in the market for a new central defender and have so far been frustrated in their pursuit of Leonardo Bonucci and Virgil van Dijk.