It looks like Newcastle United are going to miss out on reported transfer target Antonio Rudiger.
The Telegraph claimed last month that the Magpies wanted to sign the Chelsea defender on a free. His contract at Stamford Bridge expires this summer.
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Rudiger is set to leave the club, but he won’t be heading to St James’ Park. It has been reported that the 29-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with Real Madrid.
It’s not the end of the world for Newcastle, and they were never going to be able to compete with Los Blancos.
But Rudiger’s decision to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid could have further repercussions for the Magpies.
Antonio Rudiger decision could lead Chelsea towards another Newcastle transfer target
According to Sky Germany, Chelsea want to replace Rudiger with RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.
The Croatian is one of the best young defenders in the world, and a player Newcastle have been looking at. The Daily Mail recently claimed that Gvardiol has been talked about as a possible signing for the Magpies.
Bringing in Gvardiol would be exceptional business for Newcastle. He’s been likened to Virgil van Dijk and is already playing at the top despite being just 20-years-old.
But news of Chelsea’s interest is bad for Eddie Howe and co. If they can sort out their ownership issue, they are in a much better position to sign Gvardiol.
They will be able to offer him Champions League football, something he has experienced this season with Leipzig.
Rudiger never felt like a serious target for Newcastle – he doesn’t feel like the kind of character that the club need right now.
His move to Real Madrid ends any talk of him joining the Magpies, and it could also push another Toon target away from St James’ Park.
One deal could end up leading to a double transfer blow for the Toon.
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