Antonio Rudiger’s agent has fueled speculation the defender could complete a controversial transfer to this summer.
Erik ten Hag will be looking to strengthen his new club’s rearguard in the summer with question marks hanging over the futures of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and beleagured captain Harry Maguire.
The likes of Villarreal’s and Matthijs de Ligt, a former charge of Ten Hag’s at , have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, along with Chelsea contract rebel Rudiger.
Chelsea appear to have lost hope of retaining the services of the Germany international, with talks over a new contract having stalled as a consequence of the government sanctions the troubled west London club are currently operating under.
Rudiger had been seeking parity with with Chelsea’s top earners and a salary befitting his status as one of the Premier League toughest and most combative defenders.
His importance to the cause was underlined by his absence in midweek as Chelsea shipped four goals in a defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, during which understudies Andreas Christensen and Malang Sarr made costly errors.
The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona remain keen to sign the 29-year-old but United look likely to offer competition given the social media activity of Rudiger’s agent.
Alongside a post of former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Saif Rubie wrote: ‘Let’s see If I can help revive this sleeping giant.’
Asked about recruitment in the summer, meanwhile, interim boss Ralf Rangick was coy in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s must win game against Arsenal.
He said: ‘This is a question for the board. My focus is on the last remaining games. It’s better you speak to the board.
‘It’s obvious there are quite a few players with their contracts expiring. There might be a few others who – although they have contracts – they are already on loan and still want to be on loan or leave the club.
‘It will be a significant change and rebuild necessary, that’s clear, but how many players and which positions, as I’ve said, I’ve not spoken to Erik in person yet.
‘If he asks me my opinion in person, I’m willing to speak to him about my experience, but on the other hand, he’ll also have his own ideas.’
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