Bayern Munich have contacted the agent and brother of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, Bild’s Christian Falk reports.
The German has entered the final year of his contract with the Blues, and he has yet to agree on a possible extension.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to keep the centre-back, but contract negotiations have reportedly stalled.
Bayern have now made contact with Rudiger’s representative over a potential free transfer next summer.
However, Rudiger would still prefer to sign a new long-term deal with the reigning European champions.
Our view:
Rudiger has been a revelation for the Blues since Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as the head coach in January.
He has struggled in the past with his positioning when it comes to playing in a traditional 4-3-3 set-up.
However, the change to a three-man backline has brought the best out of him with the Blues.
The former Roma man has been ever-present as the left-sided central defender this season.
Rudiger currently earns around £130,000-per-week. He is eyeing £200,000-per-week to sign a renewal.
The Blues’ hierarchy have refused to meet his demands which has put the negotiations at a standstill.
Fresh talks are planned. Rudiger is eyeing a final big-money contract and remains hopeful that it will be at Chelsea.
Another potential stand-off could see him seriously consider his options ahead of the New Year.
The German can finalise a pre-contract with a foreign club in January as things stand.
Bayern won’t be alone in the pursuit with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Atletico Madrid also keen.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Read: Chelsea were ready to pay €100m to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos.
