Dimitar Berbatov sends Antonio Rudiger transfer message to Manchester United

Former striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger would be a "good fit" for Manchester United, amid reports linking the German with a move to Old Trafford.

Rudiger has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent months and the prospect of a deal happening this summer has soared as a result of the government sanctions Blues owner Roman Abramovich is now under. Currently, Chelsea are banned from offering new contracts to players and staff, meaning uncertainty surrounds the German's future at the club.

Like fellow defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, his contract expires on June 30 and it is currently unclear if Chelsea will get the chance to extend it. The sanctions imposed last week are currently in place until May 31 but could be extended.

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And for former striker Berbatov, Rudiger — whose Chelsea career has been revitalised by Thomas Tuchel over the past 13 months — would be a "good choice" for United.

"As a centre-back, obviously I have a bit of a difficulty here with the centre-back but they do need a centre-back, United," Berbatov told the Express. "Although they already have five players for that position and still things are not going quite well.

"You mentioned one name, Rudiger, now I’m concentrated on him. I cannot think of anyone else. Based on his performances, he is a good fit honestly.

"He is aggressive, he is good on the ball, so he can be a good choice."

Since joining Chelsea in 2017 from Italian heavyweights Roma, Rudiger, who will be hoping to represent Germany at the World Cup later this year, has racked up 189 appearances. He has also chipped in with ten goals.

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