Juventus chief plays down Antonio Rudiger links

Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved has played down speculation linking the Italian giants with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

A previous report claimed that the 28-year-old centre-back was holding talks with Juve ahead of a proposed free transfer to the Turin-based outfit this summer.

Rudiger's current contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in June and he is now free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.

However, speaking to Italian streaming platform Infinity, Nedved has distanced Juventus from a potential swoop to sign the Germany international.

"I've seen some stories around about Rudiger and Juventus. He's a very good player but he's under contract with Chelsea," the 49-year-old said.

Chelsea performance advisor Petr Cech revealed earlier this week that he is unsure as to whether the Blues will be able to retain their soon-to-be free agents this summer, following the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.

Rudiger, who has also been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, is one of three high-profile players at Stamford Bridge, along with Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, who is at risk of leaving the club for free in June.