Chelsea are plotting a £35million swoop for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.

Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the 23-year-old Germany international and has asked his scouts to keep a close eye on the fit-again centre back.

Conte had earmarked Rudiger as a potential signing in the summer but a serious knee injury sustained just before Euro 2016 saw the Blues put their interest on the back-burner.

Chelsea are interested in a £35million move for Roma centre back Antonio Rudiger

Blues manager Antonio Conte is a big admirer of the 23-year-old Germany international

However, the defender is fit again after making a quicker than expected recovery, scoring and assisting in Roma reserves' win over Novara on Saturday.

Conte is exploring a potential move for the former Stuttgart man, who is widely recognised as one of the best emerging defenders in Europe.

Chelsea, though, are not alone in their interest with both Manchester clubs believed to have registered an interest in the central defender; United are understood to be particularly keen.

Rudiger has almost completed his recovery from a serious knee injury

ANTONIO RUDIGER: FACTFILE Date of birth: March 3, 1993 Age: 23 Clubs: Stuttgart, Roma Appearances: 139 Goals: 7 International caps (Germany): 11 Advertisement

Roma are reluctant to lose Rudiger but an offer of £35m or above could persuade the Italians to sell.

Conte will look to land at least one defender in January, with Juventus's Leonardo Bonucci also towards the top of his wish list. English duo Michael Keane and Ben Gibson are also on Chelsea's radar.

The Chelsea manager has made the capture of a new central defender his primary objective when the January transfer window opens.

With John Terry turning 36 in December and doubts lingering over Gary Cahill's long-term future at the club, Conte wants to strengthen significantly in the central defensive area.