Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
West Ham and Newcastle set to miss out on Germany defender Antonio Rudiger
STUTTGART defender Antonio Rudiger has played down the possibility of a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 21-year-old was in fine form for VfB Stuttgart last term, impressing on both the Bundesliga and Europa League scene.
West Ham and Newcastle have both been keeping tabs on the centre-back, with the former having a bid rejected earlier in the summer.
However, the one-cap Germany international insists he is not thinking about a move away from Stuttgart.
My full focus is on Stuttgart
"It's fine to find out other clubs are interested in me. But my full focus is on Stuttgart," he said.
"I am under contract until June 2017 with the club and I do not force a move at this point in time. Of course, you never know in football. Still I am just focussed on my job and the new season.
"I have the best conditions to work at VfB Stuttgart, this will help me progress further. One day I want to come out for a big club in the Champions League. Anyway, this is still a long way off."