Rumour Reel: Chelsea close in on Roma and Germany defender Rudiger
Lee Gormley | June 2, 2016
Coral’s rumour reel
Europe’s biggest shopping window is only days away from opening, as Euro 2016 soon kicks off in France, and plenty of Premier League clubs have already been busy securing new acquisitions ahead of next season.
This includes Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who have snapped up Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, though many more top-flight sides are hoping to secure their primary targets, with Chelsea among those ready to do business…
Blues ready Rudiger swoop
Guardiola won’t be the only new boss on the block next term, with Chelsea hoping to enjoy revived success under their new man at the helm Antonio Conte, after the experienced Italian oversees his country’s Euro 2016 campaign on French soil.
The Blues boss will be keen to revamp his inherited squad upon arrival at Stamford Bridge and the club have reportedly already made first steps in securing a defensive target, as they aim to capture Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, who will be heading to France with his nation.
It’s been suggested in Italy that the Blues are prepared to offer the 23-year-old Germany centre back a five-year deal in London, with a £20m bid being put to the Serie A outfit this summer, despite Rudiger only recently signing permanently in Rome.
The 10-cap Germany international had his release clause activated by Roma to capture him for £6.9m after an initial loan spell had come to an end, but he could now be Blues bound as Conte looks to boost the Chelsea defensive ranks with skipper John Terry seemingly set for a lesser role next season.
Liverpool look to Bastien
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to bolster his Liverpool set-up ahead of next campaign, after finishing a disappointing eighth in the Premier League in his maiden season in charge at Anfield, although a run to the Europa League final did boost morale.
The Reds are said to have opened talks with talented Anderlecht midfielder Samuel Bastien, with the 19-year-old Belgium Under-21 international having shone brightly during a loan spell with Serie B side Avellino.
His previous Italian loan side have the option of buying the teenager following his stint there, but Liverpool are hoping their initial talks over a £4m switch to Merseyside will be successful, as they sit in pole position for his signature.
Bastien is an energetic midfielder who possesses a creative eye and plenty of skill going forward, a player that Klopp would love within his ranks next term, when the German coach will aim to have more of an impact domestically in his second season.
Foxes hunt defensive duo
Following a historic Premier League triumph, Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City are close to capturing two new additions to their title-winning squad, with Germany goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler and Spanish defender Luis Hernandez set to arrive.
The Foxes’ Italian boss clearly sees strengthening his rearguard as a priority for next term, with German shot stopper Zieler having flown to the King Power Stadium recently to agree a supposed four-year move after a £2.6m offer.
Zieler will arrive from German outfit Hannover after the club were relegated from the Bundesliga and the World Cup winner will provide stern competition for current number one Kasper Schmeichel, while 27-year-old Spaniard Hernandez is expected to arrive on a free transfer following the expiration of his Sporting Gijon contract.
The defender is a youth product of Real Madrid and will provide much-needed defensive cover, as the futures of centre-backs Marcin Wasilewski and Yohan Benalouane remain unclear.
Related
With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.
Have a gander at our extensive Euro 2016 section too before the big kick-off.
