Antonio Rudiger turned down Chelsea record wage offer as Real Madrid circle

Antonio Rudiger rejected the chance to become the highest-paid defender in Chelsea’s history, the PA news agency understands.

The Germany defender is understood to have turned down a major contract offer from Chelsea, that the Blues had tabled before falling under Government restrictions.

Chelsea have continued to hold out hope that the Stamford Bridge club’s sale could turn the tide in their bid to retain Rudiger’s services.

But the continued strong interest from Real Madrid could now see the 29-year-old leave the west London club when his contract expires this summer.

Rudiger had for some time vowed to leave the decision on his future until the end of the campaign, but interest from other clubs has remained consistent.

He has been understood to want to continue working with Thomas Tuchel, having hit new heights under the Blues’ German boss.

But Madrid could now hold the edge in the race to land one of Europe’s top defenders.

Chelsea’s recruitment and retention has been halted by the strict operating terms after Roman Abramovich’s UK Government sanctions.

The sale of the Stamford Bridge club should be complete in May though, which will allow the west Londoners to return to standard transfer business.

The consortiums bidding to buy the Blues are all understood to want to keep chairman Bruce Buck and director Marina Granovskaia in place after a purchase.

And that potential stability could yet offer a route map for the Blues to retain Rudiger’s services.

Former Roma centre-back Rudiger’s continued determination to keep his options open in recent weeks is understood to have been respected in the Chelsea hierarchy.

Todd Boehly, Sir Martin Broughton and Steve Pagliuca are the consortium heads for the remaining bids to buy