Liverpool are reportedly ‘very interested’ in Chelsea central defender Antonio Rudiger.
The Reds have been linked to the 28-year-old in recent weeks but a move is complicated due to the rivalry between the clubs at the top of the Premier League.
Rudiger has transformed into a top-level performer under Thomas Tuchel and the German international played an integral part in the London club becoming European champions last season.
According to a report from Spanish publication El Nacional, as cited by LFC Transfer Room on Twitter, Jurgen Klopp is keen on bringing his compatriot to Anfield.
❗️𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓: Jurgen Klopp has been keen on Antonio Rudiger for some time and is preparing to offer him a deal that would earn him much more than his current £100,000 a week contract at Chelsea.
Source: @elnacionalcatEN 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/Dzy9U6eTJt
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 9, 2021
The report claims that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also keen whilst Klopp wants to make the 49-cap ace the ‘indisputable’ parter to Virgil van Dijk.
So far this season Rudiger – described as ‘outstanding’ by Tuchel – has earned an impressive 7.12 average Sofascore rating across 14 league outings.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Signing a player of Rudiger’s quality from a direct rival is certainly an intriguing proposition.
However, with Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Nat Phillips and summer signing Ibrahima Konate already in situ alongside Van Dijk, any further defensive incomings may have to be supplemented by at least one departure.
Valued at £31.5million and out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), should the possibility of a free transfer arise, Liverpool may not be able to turn down the opportunity.
