Bayern Munich director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic has played down speculation about a move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger for now.
Rudiger is a hot topic at this moment in time, with his contract set to expire next summer and no new deal lined up as yet, despite Chelsea’s best efforts.
That’s apparently led to a long line of clubs in Europe queuing up to try and sign the defender, who has been one of the stars of the show under Thomas Tuchel over the last year.
Bayern Munich are thought to be keen, with them potentially needing a replacement for Niklas Sule, whose contract also expires next summer.
Rudiger would fit the bill, and according to reports, contact has already been made with his agent about a potential deal.
That’s led to increased speculation, with Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann even commenting on the Chelsea man at a recent press conference.
That didn’t sit too well with Salihamidzic, who has now moved to pour a bit of cold water on the growing rumours.
“It’s not okay when we talk about players who are at other clubs,” Sky report him saying to DAZN.
“Julian said that about him in the press conference, but he is a coach who sees quite a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he evaluate an international and talk about his strengths.
“(Bayern is) really well-staffed at centre-back. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Upamecano; Lucas Hernandez is there, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we are really very, very well staffed.
“We (he and Nagelsman) have had very little time; I had an appointment today on Friday. We didn’t see each other for that long, but we talk a lot about players – sure.”
