Manchester United and Chelsea target Antonio Rudiger rules out speculation linking him with Premier League move

Rudiger states that returning to top form for Roma is his main priority and that rumours suggesting he will move away 'doesnt bother him'.

(Getty )

Roma defender Antonio Rudiger has dismissed rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League and insists he is fully focused on playing for Roma.

Manchester United and Chelsea are both reportedly interested in the Germany international and could be tempted into making a bid for the defender in January.

United boss Jose Mourinho is in desperate need of some defensive reinforcements as Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia are all long term absentees and his current makeshift back four have been all at sea in recent games.

And, it is believed that Antonio Conte has also shown interest in the 23-year-old and could be tempted to enter the race to sign him if he feels the need to strengthen his defence.

Chelsea have adopted a three man defence under Conte and might look to acquire another centre back should they want to move Cesar Azpilicueta back into his natural wing back position.

Rudiger, though, who missed Euro 2016 and the beginning of this season through a serious cruciate ligament injury, has only played three games this campaign and states that his main priority is to regain full fitness for Roma.

"There's a lot of talk about changes in the squad, but I'm really happy to play for Roma. I'm not bothered about transfer rumours," he told a news conference.

Antonio Conte is reportedly a big admirer of the Roma defender. (Getty)

"In the end, I'm happy to be healthy again. It wasn't easy but now I can play again.

"I'm ready to play [on Thursday]. I hope for the best, but it's the coach's decision in the end."

Rudiger’s return to the Roma setup couldn’t have come at a better time for Roma coach Luciano Spalletti who is currently experiencing a defensive injury crisis of his own.

Thomas Vermaelen, Kostas Manolas, Mario Rui and Federico Fazio are all sidelined which means that Rudiger is likely to feature in their home fixture with Bologna this Sunday.