Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick could sign a major upgrade on Harry Maguire with Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
What's the story?
According to reports from Sky Deutschland (via Sport Witness), United are one of a number of top European sides who are chasing the Germany international.
It's claimed that the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign the central defender, and that Rangnick's side have now emerged as an additional contender for his signature.
Better than Maguire
While Maguire may be established as a cornerstone of this United defence, Rudiger's arrival would see the club land a genuine upgrade on the England international.
As per Whoscored, the £100k-per-week German has averaged an impressive 7.00 match rating over the course of the Premier League this season, which far betters Maguire's measly 6.56.
And, when you look at the key underlying numbers, it's easy to see why.
Rudiger averages almost double the number of interceptions that Maguire does, while he also boasts a far higher average number of passes and key passes per game - the kind of ball-playing centre-back that could thrive under Rangnick.
The Chelsea man also wins more offsides per game too, a pointer of how his pace and reading of the game is slightly superior to that of Maguire.
Rudiger's performances for the Blues has earned rave reviews from a number of people, not least former United man Rio Ferdinand, who waxed lyrical about just how good he has been in the top-flight.
He said (via the Metro): "Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there (at Chelsea), been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or (Ruben) Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal."
And, speaking to BILD, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was similarly effusive in his praise, saying: "Toni has established himself exceptionally since the first day we arrived. He is an absolute leader and plays at an incredibly high level."
The £31.5m-rated star could bring some proven Premier League experience and quality to this United back-line, and a real upgrade on Maguire.