Chelsea weigh defensive options as Rudiger joins Roma

AS Roma have signed German defender Antonio Rudiger on a long-term contract until 2020, making permanent his loan move from VfB Stuttgart for a fee of nine million euros ($10.02 million), the Italian club said on thereby ending speculations he could join Chelsea.

The 23-year old joined the Italian club on a one-year loan deal from Stuttgart in September for an initial fee of four million euros and has made 30 appearances in Serie A.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte reportedly lined up a £16m bid for the Germany international, but have to look elsewhere as the German sealefd his move to Roma.

Meanwhile, there are claims in Italy that Chelsea have agreed an £8.4m deal with Juventus for Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The defender could join Chelsea when Dani Alves will be official to Juventus for an €11m move, 3 years deal.”

The Blues have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who is reportedly keen to join Manchester United.

That is according to La Gazzetta dello Sport , who claims the 28-year-old has turned down the chance to join Chelsea in the hope new United manager Jose Mourinho shows an interest.