As per The Daily Mirror and reporter Darren Lewis, there has been a very interesting transfer update out of Newcastle United involving Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The Lowdown: Chelsea in turmoil...

On Thursday, a huge development in the footballing world broke as it was announced that the UK government placed sanctions on Roman Abramovich amid his nation's invasion of Ukraine.

As a result, the billionaire oligarch's assets were frozen, throwing Chelsea's future into turmoil as reports even suggest the likes of Man United could poach their Champions League-winning manager.

The Premier League have now also confirmed he has been disqualified as a director with Newcastle, and by extension main club owners Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, now looking to seize an early opportunity for Rudiger amid the chaos.

The Latest: Newcastle exploring early Rudiger option...

According to Lewis and The Mirror, Newcastle are one of the 'cheeky' rival clubs checking to see if these sanctions allow them to sign Rudiger on a pre-contract now rather than waiting until summer.

Usually, English clubs can only open talks with Premier League free agents once their deal actually expires.

Indeed, only European sides are able to begin negotiations with soon-to-be top flight free agents during the season but PIF and the Magpies are apparently seeing if this law has changed since Chelsea can no longer offer new deals to players or staff.

The Verdict: Very interesting...

Depending on developments, signing the Germany international ahead of time would certainly be a 'cheeky' move by Newcastle as they aim to back Eddie Howe.

Described as the 'real deal' and a 'nightmare' by pundit Ally McCoist, Newcastle's own striker Callum Wilson has called Rudiger 'annoying' and 'frustrating' to play against.

Seeing if they can nip in ahead of the European competition may well be a clever move by PIF.

In other news: Staveley now working on another free deal for starlet with same agent as Fraser! Find out more here.