Chelsea had reportedly made a breakthrough in contract discussions with Antonio Rudiger before sanctions were placed on Roman Abramovich.

Last Thursday, the British government imposed widespread sanctions on the Blues, including one which prevented them from agreeing new deals with out-of-contract players.

Rudiger is one of three first-team stars to find himself in such a position with the two parties having previously been someway apart in negotiations.

However, according to Bild, Chelsea had advanced talks with the Germany international's representatives with financial terms having been agreed.

As it stands, no further progress can be made, leaving Rudiger able to receive offers from a number of other top European clubs who hold an interest in his signature.

Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all been claimed to be admirers of Rudiger in recent months.

Rudiger has made more appearances for Chelsea than any other outfield player this season, each of his 41 outings coming from the starting lineup. body check tags ::