Chelsea want German star to replace Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger.

Rudiger has declined a new deal with the Blues amid salary differences. He could leave for free when his contract expires next summer.

The west London giants are already eyeing potential replacements, and Bild claims that Sule is one of the top names on their radar.

Thomas Tuchel remains a fond admirer of Sule since his Hoffenheim days. The German previously tried to sign him for Borussia Dortmund.

Sule has yet to extend his stay with Bayern. He will enter the final six months of his deal in January and will be free to speak with foreign clubs.

Tuchel has urged the club's hierarchy to land the centre-back's signature, but there could be competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.

Aside from Sule, the Blues are widely expected to return for Sevilla's Jules Kounde next summer after their failed approach earlier this year.