Conte could ease Rudiger doubts and seal 'massive' deal for Tottenham after source's update - pundit
Kevin Phillips has claimed the capture of Antonio Rudiger would be a "massive signing" for Tottenham amid a "rebuild" at the club.
The former Sunderland hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Spurs boss Antonio Conte could lure the 28-year-old into crossing London.
As revealed by this site on 5 January, Tottenham recruitment chief Fabio Paratici is “calling every day” to try and win the race to sign Chelsea star Rudiger.
Football Insider revealed on 18 December that Spurs are intensifying their pursuit of the Champions League winner and are willing to pay him a “huge” salary to get the deal done.
Phillips suggested leaving Chelsea for Conte's side could be a step down for Rudiger.
“I just wonder why he would want to leave Chelsea and go to Tottenham,” he told Football Insider's Dylan Childs.
“Especially with everything he has achieved at Chelsea, and what they could still achieve. Could Tottenham really get up there and challenge in that top two? I don’t think so.
“They’re heading in the right direction. If they were to pull it off, I think Conte would have a lot to do with it.
“Rudiger may well have seen his antics on the touchline and his track record and decided he would love to play under someone like that.
“If they can get him through the door as part of this rebuild then, wow, it would be a massive signing for them.”
Football Insider also revealed yesterday (7 January) that Man United are also readying a "huge" offer for the Germany international.
Rudiger has entered the final months of his Stamford Bridge deal and is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides.