Stamford Bridge side keen on Bernabeu centre-back.
Chelsea are ready to trigger Raphael Varane’s Real Madrid release clause as Jose Mourinho looks to conduct a Bernabeu raid according to the Daily Express.
Read more Chelsea transfer news.
During Mourinho’s last season at the Bernabeu Varane was afforded a great deal of responsibility, the centre-back making 28 starts in all competitions, but this season he’s managed just four La Liga starts and could be ready to consider a move to reunite with his former manager.
Varane may be seen by Mourinho as a possible successor to veteran John Terry, who may be offered a one year extension to his current deal.
One does wonder if Mourinho is perhaps planning for the exit of other central defensive options as the Portuguese boss signed French teenager Kurt Zouma in January and as well as John Terry the likes of Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz can all be called upon to fill such a role.
Varane has sung the praises of his former coach, stating;
He said: “I’m only young and haven’t had many coaches, which means it’s difficult for me to make comparisons, but I’d say it’s his personality and charisma, which were felt by the whole team.
“He’s a winner, a competitor, and he transmits that to his players. Wherever he’s gone he’s always created combative teams with lots of character.
It will cost Chelsea £25m to meet Varane’ release clause.
SEE ALSO: PES 2014 best players: the 20 highest ranked players on Pro Evolution Soccer 2014.