Newcastle ‘enter battle for Antonio Rudiger’ despite not wanting to smash wage structure

dailystar.co.uk:

Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger but won't be smashing their wage structure to seal his signature.

The German international, 29, is out of contract at the end of the season and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is yet to offer a new deal to stay at Stamford Bridge.And with Eddie Howe's Tyneside revolution in full swing, The Telegraph report the Magpies are ready to take their next step in shaking up the Premier League hierarchical structure.Rudiger though would no doubt have a plethora of Champions League suitors should he be allowed to leave west London.Yet Howe and Newcastle are growing in confidence that they would be able to pull off another incredible marquee signing.The northeast side have already completed the shrewd additions of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes in January.The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Funds' £300m takeover has reignited belief across Tyneside that the Toon army can once again compete at the top end of the table.After flirting with relegation for the majority of the season, Newcastle are unbeaten since the turn of the year in the Premier League, winning five of their previous six matches.HAVE YOUR SAY!

Can Eddie Howe lead Newcastle to Europe? Let us know in the comments section.There is now a seven-point buffer between themselves and Burnley in 18th and it seems Howe is already plotting for a shock European assault next campaign.Rudiger would no doubt improve a key position for a side that has shipped 46 goals this season without highlighting his obvious European experience.The German played a vital part in Chelsea's Champions League triumph in Tuchel's debut season but is yet to be offered extended terms at Stamford Bridge.Want to be on the ball with all.