Newcastle United enter hunt for Chelsea defender?

Newcastle United could reportedly join the race to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger this summer.

The German has less than four months remaining on his Blues contract, and there has been no progress over a renewal.

The centre-back has turned down the Blues' initial offer of £140,000-a-week, and they are yet to make a fresh proposal.

Amidst this, The Telegraph claims that the Magpies are planning to enter the race to sign the former AS Roma defender.

Rudiger has several high-profile clubs watching him including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

However, the Magpies may look to lure him with a bumper salary package on top of a significant signing-on fee.

Rudiger is eyeing close to £300,000-a-week. The Blues appear unlikely to come close to his wage requirements.

Aside from Rudiger, the west London giants could also lose Andreas Christensen when his deal expires in June.

He has already agreed personal terms with Barcelona, and reports claim that a deal could be formally announced soon.