Sources: Antonio Rudiger to Tottenham latest as Liverpool transfer plan revealed
Liverpool have no plans to target a move for Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger if he becomes a free agent this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Reds have lacked depth at the centre of their backline this season, but it is understood that the 33-year-old is seen as being too old for them at this stage of their project.
Tottenham have also been heavily linked with a move for Rudiger of late, and sources have now indicated that they would be hugely keen to add his experience to their rearguard.
However, their pursuit looks set to depend on the futures of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, while relegation would also end any chance of them landing the former Chelsea star.
Significant interest from Saudi Arabia is also anticipated in the coming weeks, with the German now entering the final months of his contract with Real Madrid.
- Read More: Sources: Tottenham work on signing defenders to replace Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven
Antonio Rudiger part of Tottenham centre-back contingency plan
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Tottenham are eyeing up potential centre-back options in case they lose one or both of Romero and Van de Ven this summer.
The former has seen links over a move to Atletico Madrid return again in recent weeks after he has been critical of the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, while Van de Ven is also being chased by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The duo have been key players for the North Londoners in recent seasons, but talk of an exit for both is growing increasingly stronger amid another hugely disappointing domestic campaign.
Tottenham are already assessing their options in terms of potential replacements for their current starting pairing, and Rudiger appears to have been identified as someone who could be targeted.
Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-Jae is also a player who is firmly on their radar, as he has struggled to earn consistent gametime with the reigning German champions this season.
Cristian Romero to force Spurs into transfer action
Football Insider revealed earlier in February that Romero may push to leave Spurs this summer in a bid to secure Champions League football elsewhere next term.
He is currently serving a suspension after he was sent off after just 29 minutes of the defeat to Manchester United on 7 February, and he has been heavily criticised by fans as a result.
The controversial Argentine has been linked with a move away from the Lilywhites in several recent transfer windows, but he appears to have finally lost patience with the club after hitting out over their injury crisis recently.
Romero could look to try and force a move away at the end of the season, which in turn would force Spurs into deploying their contingency plan and working towards bringing in a replacement.
For more on Romero’s future at Spurs ahead of the summer, check out the expert analysis on Tottenham News.