Stamford Bridge side close in on Bernabeu starlet.
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign highly rated Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane according to the Metro.
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Jose Mourinho is ‘set’ to sign the 21 year old in a £19m deal with Blues owner Roman Abramovich promising the funds to complete the move.
The French international has been sharing first team duties with Pepe as Carlo Ancelotti alternates between the duo as partners for Sergio Ramos and it would be a little surprising if the Italian were to sell such a talented prospect.
Chelsea have also been strongly linked with an interest in Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and it does appear Mourinho wants to bring in a fresh defensive option, perhaps with a view to John Terry entering the latter stages of his Stamford Bridge career.
The west London side can call upon Kurt Zouma though the former Saint-Etienne man’s involvement thus far has been fairly limited and Varane is certainly a more accomplished performer.
Mourinho brought Varane to the Spanish capital during his tenure at the Bernabeu and is clearly a big fan of the young talent.