Bayern Munich’s sporting director ‘distances the club’ from reports they could sign Antonio Rudiger

Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has responded to speculation that the Bundesliga giants could make a move for Antonio Rudiger.

The Chelsea centre-back is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and can leave the club on a free next summer.

Rudiger is said to be of interest to several top teams across Europe, including Bayern Munich after manager Julian Nagelsmann praised the defender during a press conference.

Antonio Rudiger could leave Chelsea on a free in the summer as he is in the last year of his deal

Bayern Munich have been linked to the player with Julian Nagelsmann praising Rudiger

When quizzed on the matter, Salihamidzic insisted Bayern have enough options at centre-back.  

He told DAZN as per Goal: ‘It’s not okay when we talk about players who are with other clubs.

‘Julian said that about him in the press conference, but he’s a coach who sees a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he rate an international and speak about his strengths?

‘We are really well filled in the center-back position. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez is here, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we really are very, very well staffed.’

Nagelsmann sparked speculation when he praised the centre-back for his ‘aggressiveness’ and labelled him a ‘decisive’ player. 

Hasan Salihamidzic though says Bayern are ‘well filled in the centre-back position’

Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann sparked further speculation this week when he praised the centre-back at a press conference for his “aggressiveness” and labelled him a “decisive” player.

It was previously reported that Rudiger could command a staggering pay packet of £400,000 a week if he leaves Stamford Bridge when his deal expires at the end of the season. 

Germany regular Rudiger has been a key player for Thomas Tuchel since the Blues boss arrived in December, enticing Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid to show an interest in securing his services once his deal ends.

Tuchel has argued that reliable Rudiger is playing in the strongest league in the world by staying at the club, and the 28-year-old is understood to be seeking around £200,000 a week to renew terms.

Rudiger is believed to be in no rush to make a decision on where his future lies but has insisted he has not had talks with any other team than the Blues.

Thomas Tuchel is determined to keep Rudiger and get the defender to sign a new contract