Chelsea’s Rudiger to join Real Madrid, Mane happy at Liverpool amid transfer talks

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has agreed to join Spanish champions Real Madrid on a four-year deal when his contract expires at the end of the season, Sky Sports reported.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said last month that the 29-year-old German would leave the club.

Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in 2017 and won the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup at the London side.

Sanctions imposed by the British government on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means the club cannot hand out contracts or buy new players.

Chelsea confirmed last week that terms have been agreed with a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly and backed by Clearlake Capital over the 4.25 billion pounds ($5.24 billion) acquisition of the London club.

Meanwhile Sadio Mane said he is happy at Liverpool and trying to enjoy every moment of his time at the

club, while speculation about the Senegal forward’s future continues to swirl amid links to Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

The 30-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of next season, scored the winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory against Aston Villa to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Liverpool are level on points with City, who play Wolverhampton Wanderers later on Wednesday.

Sorting out Mane’s future is a key task for manager Juergen Klopp, who has led them to success in the league, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.

Asked by Sky Sports whether he had ever been happier at Liverpool, Mane said: “Yeah, sure, when we won the trophies I think I was happier.

“But I think I just try to enjoy every moment and try to score and assist for my teammates. I think it is all about the team or nothing, the boys make it easier for me so I am obviously very happy.”

League Cup winners Liverpool, who are also in the Champions League final, can win the second trophy of their campaign when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup decider on Saturday.