Bayern Munich 'considering Antonio Rudiger as Niklas Sule replacement'

Bayern Munich may reportedly be prepared to step up their efforts to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

On Monday afternoon, it was confirmed that Niklas Sule was departing the Allianz Arena on a free transfer, the Germany international opting to join rival Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

However, Bayern have a wide array of options available to them when it comes to finding a replacement, whether that requires paying a fee or acquiring a like-for-like free agent.

According to Fichajes, Rudiger is Bayern's number one target and they plan to make a significant proposal for the 28-year-old.

The report suggests that Rudiger, who currently has less than five months left on his contract, is open to another stint in the Bundesliga, the player last featuring in his home division in 2014-15.

Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij and Borussia Monchengladbach's Matthias Ginter have also been identified as realistic options to join next season.