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Jamie Redknapp wants his former side Liverpool to sign Antonio Rudiger - so the German can play alongside Virgil van Dijk. Chelsea's defensive stalwart is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer with the Blues still optimistic they'll be able to strike a deal with the player and his reps.
This time last year, Rudiger was actually out of favour in west London under former manager Frank Lampard
But the Englishman's dismissal was a line in the sand for the bullish defender and the chance to turn over a new leaf under Thomas Tuchel.
It was an opportunity Rudiger grasped with both hands, consolidating his reputation as one of the best centre-backs in world football.
However, negotiating terms and an improved salary has proved complicated with Chelsea now facing the prospect of losing their talismanic defensive leader.
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Rudiger is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now he is in the final six months of his contract.
Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are among a long list of interested parties.
Manchester City and Tottenham are also believed to be open to signing Rudiger on a free transfer.
Rudiger has already made his thoughts clear on Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who was in charge of the first-team at Borussia Dortmund when the defender was coming through the youth ranks at the club.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is out of contract this summer (Image: GETTY)
"I didn’t get much, but when he spoke to me at the friendly match I saw he’s a coach that gives you motivation like you’re the best in the world," Rudiger said back in 2018.
"That’s very good and one of his best skills as a coach.
"He had nothing to do with [me leaving], because I was in the youth [team]. I knew for myself I had to leave Dortmund to play first-team football. I spoke to him twice, because he used to watch a lot of academy games. He also invited me to a friendly match.
"I was 16, or something like that. For me, it was important because at the time, Dortmund won the league twice in a row. There was almost no chance [to make my debut]. So for me, I was young but I was very realistic. I thought: 'Okay, maybe I need to go'.
"It wasn't a step back, maybe it was even a step forward. I went to a team that was a bit lower [in the table] but I was playing."