Newcastle reportedly want Chelsea star that Shearer raved about after display at Anfield earlier this season

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Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger with the German’s contract due to expire this summer. A player, that Alan Shearer raved about after his display at Anfield back in August.

Rudiger, who turned 29 earlier this month, has been one of the Premier League’s best central defenders this summer. It comes after he was almost completely ostracised by Frank Lampard during his tenure as Chelsea boss.

The Germany international has clocked up 39 appearances in all competitions, helping Chelsea keep a huge 20 clean sheets in the process – including the Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool on penalties last month.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been strongly linked with the ex-Stuttgart and Roma ace – and now The Telegraph claim Newcastle have thrown their hat into the ring. But they are unwilling to pay more than £200,000 a week.

Picking his TOTW after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool earlier in the season, Shearer included Rudiger in his side and praised the German for a wonderful d display. He praised his strength, speed and aerial ability.

“Tough in the tackle, strong in the air and showed good recovery pace as Chelsea defended as if their lives depended on it at Anfield,” Shearer said, as per the Premier League’s official website back in August 2021.

Shearer on Rudiger: Newcastle would be pulling off major coup

But the chances of getting Rudiger seems small, for a number of reasons. Rudiger has become a hero at Chelsea for his performances of late and he will surely want to remain loyal to the Blues – by leaving English football.

Not only that, but Rudiger is of the ability that can go and earn a big contract at the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid – both who are enormous sides that will be challenging for titles and in European competition.

Newcastle’s only incentive is the project and the financial package, but surely Rudiger would rather look to a bigger side where he can win trophies. He might even end up signing a new deal with Chelsea.