Carlo Ancelotti has remained tight-lipped over Real Madrid's interest in Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season and 90min have reported for some time that the Blues were resigned to losing their star centre-back. After much speculation, Thomas Tuchel finally confirmed that his compatriot would indeed be leaving the club in the summer.
90min understands that Real are confident are completing a deal. However, when quizzed about the club's interest after Los Blancos' 4-3 Champions League semi-final first-leg defeat to Man City, Ancelotti joked that he had not heard of the player.
"Who is this?" he laughed. "He’s a Chelsea player, he’s still a Chelsea player. I cannot say nothing about this."
Ancelotti went on to admit that his side had not defended well on Tuesday night, highlighting their need to bring in defensive reinforcements.
Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott Saunders & Graeme Bailey. Toby Cudworth joins the show again this week to discuss how Erik ten Hag's appointment may affect Man Utd's pursuit of Paul Mitchell. There is also chat on the futures of Jesse Lingard & David de Gea and a look at what Newcastle are planning this summer.
Rudiger has been in talks with several clubs in 2022, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Juventus, but Real are confident that they are in pole position to secure his signature. Manchester United are also interested but a lack of Champions League football is likely to scupper this transfer.
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Source : 90min