Chelsea plan contract talks with defender before Euro 2020

Chelsea are keen on negotiating a new contract with Antonio Rudiger before the European Championships this summer.

The centre-back hardly played under Frank Lampard, but his fortunes have changed since Thomas Tuchel took charge in January.

Rudiger has started nine of the last 10 league games under the German and he has earned plenty of praise from the fans.

According to The Mail, the club are now looking to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season.

It is added that the hierarchy want an extension finalised before he travels with Germany for the European Championships.

Paris Saint-Germain are long-term admirers of Rudiger and the Blues want to start negotiations early to convince him over a new deal.

Rudiger is expected to start for the Blues tomorrow when they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16.

The club bagged a precious away goal from the trip to Romania last week. Their 1-0 win came through a superb overhead kick from Olivier Giroud.