According to ESPN, Real Madrid is considering signing Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer after being impressed by the defender's performance in their Champions League quarterfinal against Chelsea.

The centre-back, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires on June 30, was first linked with a move to Real Madrid earlier this season.

At that time, the transfer was ruled out because of the defender's excessive salary demands.

The situation has since changed, and multiple sources have told ESPN that Rudiger is once again being considered as a defensive reinforcement for the summer, especially after his solid performance against Los Blancos at the battle of Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid's first choice centre-back pair this season has been David Alaba and Eder Militao with Nacho Fernandez and Jesus Vallejo as back-ups, although coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to deploy Dani Carvajal as a makeshift centre-back in the game against Chelsea with Militao suspended and Nacho injured.

Real Madrid had considered signing a replacement for Marcelo, who is out of contract this summer, but Rudiger's arrival may allow them to move the versatile Alaba to left-back instead.