Manchester United transfer news: Chelsea target £35million Roma defender Antonio Rudiger as they aim to beat Red Devils to his signature

CHELSEA are preparing a £35million bid for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.

Blues boss Antonio Conte has instructed scouts to watch the Germany international, 23.

The Italian admires Rudiger and only decided against signing him in the summer due to a serious knee injury he sustained just before Euro 2016.

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But the defender has recovered from his KO sooner than expected and is back at his best after scoring and assisting in Roma reserves' win over Novara on Saturday.

Conte is weighing up a move for the former Stuttgart ace, according to the .

But Chelsea face stiff competition from Manchester United and City in the race to land Rudiger.

Roma want to hold onto the highly rated defender but it is understood a bid of about £35m could sway the club.

We exclusively revealed Chelsea are chasing Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci. Burnley's Michael Keane is also a target.

Conte, famed for playing three at the back during his time at Juve and Italy, has made a central defender his priority in the next transfer window.

Despite splurging £32m on David Luiz this summer, Conte seeks further reinforcements with 36-year-old John Terry's career slowing down and doubts over Gary Cahill's long-term future at Stamford Bridge.