VfB Stuttgart manager Armin Veh expects highly-rated defender Antonio Rudiger to be sold to a ‘big club’ in the near future.
The Germany international, 21, is among the most-wanted young stars in the Bundesliga, having turned in a number of confident performances for Die Roten over the past 12 months.
According to reports, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Monaco, and Porto are interested in Rudiger, whose current contract with Stuttgart is due to expire in the summer of 2017.
It is only a matter of time before the club are forced into a sale, but manager Armin Veh has insisted the 21-year-old will only be sold to a “really big” club.
That would not rule out a possible sale to any one of the aforementioned four interested parties, but it does–in all likelihood–rule out a move to West Ham United, which was mooted in the summer.
“Antonio is under contract until June 2017 with our club. The thing is, how much longer can we keep hold of such a player?” Veh said.
“He is willing to learn, has power and self-confidence and the willpower he needs to succeed.
“I understand that big clubs are chasing him. But a move will only be considered for Antonio if he joins a really big outfit. Otherwise, it would be better for him to stay at our club.”
At 21, Rudiger is showing great promise, and would be a more cost-effective buy than pursuing Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, who may cost as much as £40 million.
Expect United boss Louis van Gaal to make a January swoop for Rudiger.
Milan hint at Suso interest
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has hinted the club may be interested in signing Liverpool attacking midfielder Suso in the January transfer window.
The Spain youth international, 20, will become a free agent when his contract expires in the summer, and all signs seem to be suggesting the player will not sign a new deal at Anfield.
In Suso’s only first-team appearance for the Reds this season, the 20-year-old replaced Lazar Markovic in extra time against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup before putting Brendan Rodgers’ side ahead in the 109th-minute.
The Reds lead was erased on 120 minutes when Kolo Touré brought down Patrick Bamford in the penalty area. Bamford converted the spot kick.
The rest is history. Liverpool advanced on penalties (14-13), with Suso converting the deciding penalty to book the Reds’ place in the fourth round of the Capital One.
Galliani said: “Suso to AC Milan in January? He is a player with a contract expiring in June who must decide whether to stay at Liverpool or go elsewhere. We’ll see in January.”
With regards to Sami Khedira, Galliani added: “Khedira? He would be good for AC Milan but earns a lot of money. If he doesn’t extend his contract with Real Madrid, he will ask for a very high salary.”
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