Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is “top of the wish list” for Barcelona and former club Roma, according to Kicker. The German magazine claims both teams could well make a move for the 27-year-old before the transfer window shuts.

While Barca’s interest is a big surprise, a return to Italy does seem to be a more realistic proposition with Roma seeking an alternative to Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

Rudiger didn’t even make the squad for the 6-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last night and asked about the defender’s absence, along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, manager Frank Lampard all but admitted that both players could depart in the next couple of weeks:

“There may be movement, but don’t read too much into them not being in the squad. It will have to be right for the club.”

With six centre-backs in the first team squad, including Malang Sarr, it was always likely that one or two would be offloaded. It was thought that Fikayo Tomori and Sarr would be the ones to leave on loan, but it appears as though Lampard has changed his mind and now wants Rudiger out.