5 centre backs who could join Real Madrid this summer

Modified Apr 12, 2017 06:43 GMT

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Nicolas Otamendi of Manchester City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on March 19, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Argentine Nicolas Otamendi hasn’t quite settled into life in England

#5 Antonio Rudiger – AS Roma

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 01: Antonio Rudiger (R) of AS Roma competes for the ball with Omar El Kaddouri of Empoli FC during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Empoli FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 1, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) — Rudiger who has impressed despite his career-threatening knee injury

Over the past season, not many defenders in European football have been impressive or instrumental in their side's success than Antonio Rudiger at AS Roma. The German international overcame a near career-threatening knee injury to become one of the most prominent defenders in the continent.

For being an out and out hardcore defender, Rudiger would easily replace the departing Pepe, but would Zidane pursue a move for a player with a long-term threat to his knee? If Madrid are to make a move for the German international, they may have to fend off competition from England with Antonio Conte's Chelsea believed to be interested in attempting to lure the defender to London.

Nonetheless, not many can deny that Real Madrid have more pulling power than anyone else. And so if Zidane attempts to move for the defender, will his head be turned?

Edited by Staff Editor