- Antonio Rudiger is the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea
- Blues boss Antonio Conte is a big admirer of the Germany international
- Roma would be reluctant to sell their 23-year-old defender
- But a bid of around £35million would test the Serie A club's resolve
- Manchester United and City are also weighing up a move for Rudiger
Chelsea are plotting a £35million swoop for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger. Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old Germany international and has asked his scouts to keep a close eye on the fit-again centre back.
Conte had earmarked Rudiger as a potential signing in the summer but a serious knee injury sustained just before Euro 2016 saw the Blues put their interest on the back-burner.
Chelsea are interested in a £35million move for Roma centre back Antonio Rudiger
Blues manager Antonio Conte is a big admirer of the 23-year-old Germany international
Roma are reluctant to lose Rudiger but an offer of £35m or above could persuade the Italians to sell.
Conte will look to land at least one defender in January, with Juventus's Leonardo Bonucci also towards the top of his wish list. English duo Michael Keane and Ben Gibson are also on Chelsea's radar.
The Chelsea manager has made the capture of a new central defender his primary objective when the January transfer window opens.
With John Terry turning 36 in December and doubts lingering over Gary Cahill's long-term future at the club, Conte wants to strengthen significantly in the central defensive area.
Jose Mourinho (left) and Conte (right) could go head-to-head for the highly-rated defender
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