Newcastle United are in the market for central defenders in January, but a move for Niklas Sule could be complicated.
The Magpies have been linked with a move for the Bayern Munich star in recent weeks.
His contract is winding down at the Allianz Arena, and he can leave the club as a free agent next summer.
Understandably, his situation means he is of interest to other clubs.
One such club is Newcastle, who are crying out for someone with a bit of quality.
No club in the Premier League has conceded more goals than the Magpies so far.
Sule, 26, would be a quality addition, but there’s a chance the deal could become quite difficult to do.
At the moment, Chelsea are struggling to agree a new contract for Antonio Rudiger.
The Germany international is said to be demanding over £200,000-a-week to remain at Stamford Bridge (via football.london).
He has no shortage of interest given his fantastic form since Thomas Tuchel came to the club.
So the ball is rather in his court.
Awkwardly for Newcastle, Chelsea are reportedly interested in Sule as well.
So it could potentially be that Chelsea ramp up their efforts to sign the Toon-linked ace if Champions League winner Rudiger isn’t going to extend.
Newcastle may struggle to sign Niklas Sule in January
£33 million star Rudiger is a key player for Chelsea.
While they will not want to lose him mid-season, they also won’t want him walking for free.
There’s a reasonable chance the Blues will sanction his exit, and Sule could then become one of their prime targets.
In an ideal world for Newcastle, Chelsea will reach an agreement with Sule, leaving them more in the clear to try and sign him.
There would surely be no chance for Newcastle to get Sule if the reigning champions of Europe came calling.
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