Transfer Talk: Real chance Rudiger chooses Madrid over PSG

Antonio Rudiger wants to move to Real Madrid over Paris Saint-Germain — but Chelsea are still desperate to keep the German.

The 28-year-old’s deal runs out this summer and he is yet to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Finances remain an issue for Rudiger and he would prefer a switch to Real than Mauricio Pochettino’s PSG.

According to Football.London, Chelsea are offering the centre-back £140,000 per week — way short of the £200k Rudiger desires.

And despite PSG offering a reported £7million deal, he would apparently rather play for Real for less money.

Rudiger is allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with any clubs outside of England but is said to be assessing his options carefully before deciding.

Since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Stamford Bridge 12 months ago, his form has been excellent at the heart of Chelsea’s defence. 

And while Rudiger knows he would continue to challenge for trophies in West London, he is said to be wary that this is likely the last big payday of his career.

Newcastle’s trolley dash

Callum Wilson’s calf injury means Newcastle are in a mad rush to sign a striker before the weekend.

Sky Sports say SIX strikers are on the Magpies' list — including Divock Origi, Dominic Solanke and Chris Wood.

Wilson has suffered numerous injuries since joining Newcastle 18 months ago and is expected to be out for two months with his latest issue.

Neither Solanke, who has 18 goals in the Championship for Bournemouth this season, nor Wood, playing for fellow strugglers Burnley, would come cheap.

Origi has six months left on his Liverpool contract and has plenty of interest from abroad.

Czech striker Patrik Schick has 17 goals in 15 Bundesliga games for Bayer Leverkusen and is on the list but the Germans would reportedly want £50m for the 25-year-old.

Their other two options are 19-year-old Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Sardar Azmoun, 27, who has 39 goals in 60 games for Iran.

In other news

After talks with Ralf Rangnick, Edinson Cavani will remain at Manchester United until at least the end of the season, say The Mirror.

Reports in Spain suggest Manchester City could move for 36-year-old Luka Modric, who is out of contract at Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The Mail believe Chelsea may look to recall Emerson Palmieri from Lyon after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the campaign.