Toni Rudiger played a key role in Chelsea's expected swoop for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

Chelsea have emerged as the favourites to land in-demand Werner after offering the forward a bumper £200,000-per-week contract.

Liverpool were widely believed to lead the race for the Germany international earlier this season, with Manchester United also believed to be in the running.

But Rudiger and Werner know each other from their days at Stuttgart, as well as time spent on international duty.

And the defender has been in contact with his Germany team-mate throughout Chelsea's courtship of the forward, according to BILD.

Rudiger has reportedly been talking up life in west London, and that has helped convinced Werner to make Chelsea his next move.