Chelsea continuing contract talks with defender - Fabrizio Romano

Chelsea are continuing negotiations with Antonio Rudiger over a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The centre-back has less than 10 months left on his deal. He can sign a pre-contract with an overseas club in January.

The Blues are keen to avoid that prospect, but they are running out of time to convince him to sign a contract extension.

As per Romano, the hierarchy are in regular talks with the player's agent as they seek to finalise a new long-term deal.

So far, there has been no breakthrough over the salary, but the club are still optimistic of keeping hold of the defender.

Rudiger is very happy with the Blues as well as working under manager Thomas Tuchel, but he won't alter his wage demands.

He is eyeing at least £200,000 weekly, but the Blues are reluctant to offer more than £150,000-a-week as part of the new deal.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping tabs. As things stand, they can negotiate a contract with him in January.