Real Madrid ‘reach verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger’ as they close in on huge free transfer for Chelsea defender

REAL MADRID have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea.

The star’s contract expires at Stamford Bridge in June and he has rejected numerous offers to stay.

Antonio Rudiger has reached a verbal agreement to join Real MadridGetty

He snubbed a package worth more than £200,000 a week – which would have made him the highest paid defender in the club’s 117 year history.

It is also believed Rudiger priced himself out of staying by demanding a hefty signing on fee plus a big sum for his agent.

But Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has now revealed the pair had a “private talk” where it was decided his future would be away from the club.

Now Fabrizio Romano claims that the 29-year-old only has to put pen to paper on his contract with Madrid after agreeing terms with them.

He tweeted: “Real Madrid have reached verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger.

“Contract not signed yet – but Real Madrid are now closing on Rudiger deal on a free: here we go soon!

“It’s gonna be a long-term deal. Final details to be discussed soon, before signing the contract.”

Blues boss Tuchel had said: “Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club.

“He informed me of this in a private talk. 

“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.

“Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied.

“We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.”

More to follow…

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