Manchester City are desperate to beat Chelsea to the signing of Roma ace Antonio Rudiger, according to a Mirror report.
The newspaper claims City have been scouting the 24-year-old centre-back over the past few months, and they are ready to table an offer for him this week.
It is said Roma will sell Rudiger if a favourable agreement can be reached, and City are determined to beat Chelsea to his signature.
The report states that sources close to the German defender say he could be keen on a move to Manchester, because it would see him link up with City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 24-year-old will take a short holiday next weekend, so it is likely his fate will be decided this week.
This comes after the Mirror claimed on its transfer live blog [Saturday 10.44AM] that the Blues had opened talks with Roma over a summer move for the £30million-rated centre-back.
Rudiger joined the Serie A giants from Stuttgart on a permanent basis in the summer of 2016, after spending the 2015-16 campaign on loan at the club.
He was a regular in the heart of Roma’s defence last term, making 36 appearances across all competitions.
Rudiger has been capped by Germany on 16 occasions, and he is due to represent his country in the Confederations Cup final against Chile on Sunday.