Antonio Rudiger's future at Chelsea remains up in the air, with the Germany international seeing his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in less than 12 months' time.
The 28-year-old, who has been pivotal in Thomas Tuchel's short time in charge of the Blues, has been linked with a move away from the club throughout the summer.
However, Tuchel did say earlier in the summer that his German compatriot could not be doing anything more in order to be rewarded with a contract extension in west London.
The Chelsea boss said this earlier in May: "Nothing is better than what he is doing for a new contract.
"If he wants to have a new contract he has our full support to stay at the club. He is speaking with his performances. He has been amazing since day one.”
Rudiger himself revealed recently that contract talks had begun with the Champions League holders.
Speaking ahead of the UEFA Super Cup win against Villarreal, he said: "As I said before, I wanted to concentrate on the Euros then after I come back, talks can start. That is what has happened for now. Talks have begun and we will see what time brings."
Now, though, according to Spanish news outlet AS, via the Express, Real Madrid are considering making a move for Rudiger next summer if his contract situation is not resolved.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to be eyeing four deals in total, all to be completed next summer - with one for Rudiger and then for Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Leon Goretzka.
All four players are due to be out of contract at this time in 12 months, but the situations could of course change massively before then.
Tuchel will be determined for Chelsea to agree a new deal with Rudiger, with the German coach being heavily reliant on the defender during his time at Stamford Bridge so far.
But if the Blues can complete a summer move for Jules Kounde, then this would ease the pain of possibly losing Rudiger in less than 12 months.
