Toni Rudiger is eager to join Tottenham, though Chelsea are reluctant to send him to a direct rival.

The Athletic says Rudiger prefers a loan move to Tottenham but the west London side are reluctant to sanction the transfer, according to reports.

The Germany centre-back has fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, having not made the matchday squad for any of the club's fixtures since being named as an unused substitute for their opening weekend win at Brighton.

The 27-year-old is set to be snubbed once again by the Blues boss for their meeting with Crystal Palace on Saturday, and he is therefore looking for an exit before the transfer window slams shut on Monday.

Rudiger's preferred destination is London rivals Tottenham, with the report claiming his complaint about being racially abused during Chelsea's 2-0 win there last December will not put him off a move.