Sources: Tottenham back in race to sign Antonio Rudiger amid behind-the-scenes Daniel Levy reveal
Tottenham are back in the race to sign Chelsea superstar Antonio Rudiger after a behind-the-scenes twist, Football Insider can reveal.
The centre-back, 28, has been a top target for Spurs dating back to last summer and they pushed hard to agree a deal with him again in January.
A Tottenham source has told Football Insider that the club have maintained their pursuit but had fallen well behind the Continental elite including Barcelona.
But Antonio Conte has made it clear that he wants to be reunited with Rudiger, who he managed at Chelsea, and is pushing hard behind the scenes.
The potential transfer, and how far Spurs push for a deal and to satisfy Rudiger's huge wage demands, is now believed to be a major test of chairman Daniel Levy and his ambition.
The long-standing chief knows he needs to keep the combustible Conte on board or face the potential repercussions.
There is pressure from supporters to build on the impressive January window overseen by Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici.
Rudiger will be a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree a new Chelsea contract.
He has attracted interest from the European elite, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona have held talks over a deal after already securing agreement in principle with Andreas Christensen and also coming close to signing Cesar Azpilicueta.
Losing Rudiger would be the biggest blow of the three for Chelsea as he is at the peak of his career and widely regarded as one of Europe's outstanding centre-backs.