By Wayne Veysey

5th Jan, 2022 | 7:45am

Sources: Paratici 'calling every day’ as Tottenham work on closing Rudiger deal

Tottenham recruitment chief Fabio Paratici is “calling every day” to try and win the race to sign Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger, Football Insider can reveal.

The centre-back, 28, is a top target for Spurs and they are working on agreeing a deal this month with a view to him joining in the summer.

A Tottenham source has told Football Insider that managing director Paratici is leading their pursuit and is in constant contact with Rudiger’s camp.

But the Londoners face strong competition for the defender’s signature from elite clubs including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Overseas clubs have a major advantage as they can formally secure Rudiger to a pre-contract agreement this month.

The Germany international has rejected a new Chelsea contract after being angered at being offered a worse deal than Mason Mount.

The Champions League holders have been told they will have to make Rudiger their top earner if they are to tie him down to a new deal.

Rudiger’s contract stalemate has opened the door to rival clubs now the window for January business is ajar.

This site revealed on 18 December that Spurs are intensifying their pursuit of Rudiger and are willing to pay him a “huge” salary to get the deal done.

Paratici is making it clear to Rudiger how much Antonio Conte wants him in the heart of his defence next term.

Thomas Tuchel has continued to name the defender in his starting XI and he delivered a fine display in Sunday’s 2-2 thriller against Liverpool.

He has made 25 Premier League and Champions League starts among 26 appearances in all competitions this season.

In other news, Premier League club have submitted a bid for Tottenham player and talks are underway.