Tuchel: Rudiger doesn't need any "pampering", we're in the negotiations

United can reportedly use Ralph Lonnick's relationship with Antonio Rudiger's agent to sign a free transfer contract for the Chelsea defender.

The Germany international's deal expires at the end of the season and discussions with the Blues have barely progressed.

Rudiger reportedly wants £200,000 a week, but the latest offer from a West London clothing company is currently £140,000 a week.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have shown a keen interest in this, and a December report said United had now entered the game.

Real Madrid may be the strongest contender for his signature, but a report in Spain's Marca newspaper earlier this month insisted that they had now "cooled" their interest.

Now that Marcos have a new perspective on Rudiger's situation, United offer a "fierce" competition for the defender's signature.

It is understood that Manchester United interim manager Ronnick has a good relationship with the agent of Chelsea centre-back and the Red Devils are eager to strike a deal.

Rudiger is "displeased" with Chelsea's offer, but his agent is currently struggling to find a club willing to offer him a €55m (£46m) contract, which includes a four-year salary and signing bonus.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel claimed Thatüdiger did not need any "pampering" as Chelsea would continue to negotiate a new Stamford Bridge contract with the German defender.

"I don't know if it helps if I take him out for a lot of coffee, maybe it will kick him out," Tuchel said with a laugh.

"I don't feel like he needs to have a lot of coffee with me; he's a guy who needs to trust you, he needs to feel connected, feel trust, and he wants to feel it through time and action."

"I don't think Tony needs a lot of talk, pampering, coffee talk and dinner invitations etc. He's a top pro and that's what he proves. He was very important and nothing had changed.

"We're in the negotiations and everything is fine because I trust the club 100 per cent and I trust my players. So it's a no-problem situation for me, and obviously for Tony as well.

'He can still deliver, he now has a fantastic game at back four, so he's very reliable.