Real Madrid have reportedly emerged as the clear favourites to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the summer.
While the Germany international remains a key part of a Blues squad challenging for the Premier League and Champions League, he has just six-and-a-half months remaining on his contract.
Chelsea have been eager to agree fresh terms with the 28-year-old for a number of months but have failed to reach a positive resolution.
According to The Guardian, the Chelsea hierarchy are torn over whether to meet Rudgier's contract demands, said to be in the region of £200,000 per week.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are allegedly happy to hand the versatile defender a deal of his choosing as they bid to take advantage of a high-profile player potentially being available on a free transfer.
Rudiger can formally discuss and agree a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club as soon as January 1.
Darren Plant
