Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger, with the Red Devils preparing an opening bid of £51m for the defender.
The 30-year-old could be set for a swift return to the Premier League after leaving Chelsea last summer at the expiration of his contract, allowing him to link up with Los Blancos in Spain.
Carlo Ancelotti's men missed out on the La Liga title to fierce rivals Barcelona in 2022-23, with the Germany international featuring 33 times in the league - 26 of which were from the start.
Despite some notable performances - particularly against Manchester City and Erling Haaland in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final - the centre-back was not a guaranteed starter for the 14-time European champions.
According to El Nacional, Manchester United are preparing a bid of £51m for Rudiger this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to build a squad capable of competing across four competitions next term.
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The Dutchman's first season in the Old Trafford hotseat saw a EFL Cup success and a third-placed finish in the Premier League, meaning that the Red Devils will return to UEFA's elite club competition after a one-year absence.
With Rudiger's terms at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026, it is set to take a sizeable offer from any potential suitors to make Madrid part ways with the defender.
It is understood that United are hopeful of being able to lure the German to England by making assurances over regular first-team football - something that cannot be guaranteed by Ancelotti due to the partnership of David Alaba and Eder Militao.
The Red Devils are also said to be willing to provide Rudiger with more lucrative personal terms than what he currently receives in Spain, with Ten Hag very keen to add another high-profile defender to his ranks.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez was the preferred centre-back pairing last season for United, helping David De Gea to keep 17 clean sheets in the Premier League, meaning that the Spaniard picked up the division's Golden Glove award during his final term at the club.
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Man United also have their focus on other deals as the summer transfer window progresses, with the pursuits of Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A coming towards their respective conclusions.
Ten Hag's charges are said to be hopeful of completing a deal for the Inter Milan stopper before the end of the week, with the Cameroonian set to replace the departed De Gea as the club's first-choice keeper.
Atalanta BC's Hojlund is also high on the manager's list of targets, and United are set to submit an improved offer for the Danish striker in the coming days.
One transfer which has been already confirmed is that of former Chelsea man Mason Mount, and the England international could make his debut for his new employers when they face Leeds United in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
Carter White
