Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has set his sights on the summer signing of Real Madrid centre back Raphael Varane, who is valued at around £30m by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti – who is currently in charge at the Bernabeu.
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Chelsea transfer news
The European Champions have their own problems at the back, particularly after conceding four goals at home to Schalke in the second leg of their Last 16 Champions League tie, but could be willing to part ways with the Frenchman if they get the right price.
And according to reports in the Daily Telegraph, Mourinho is willing to pay whatever it takes to strengthen his back-line, after growing frustrated with a number of his current stars, particularly England international Gary Cahill.
It was Cahill who was at fault for Paris Saint Germain’s second goal on Wednesday evening, as he failed to track the run of Thiago Silva, and was only able to watch on as the Brazilian headed in the decisive strike that ensured the Blues’ exit from the competition.
Silva’s strike was one of two set piece goals scored by the Ligue 1 side, with an ageing John Terry also likely to be replaced in the coming months. In contrast, Varane is still only 21 and is widely viewed as one of the best young defenders in the planet.
Mourinho gave Varane his professional debut during his time as Madrid manager, and sees him as the ideal partner for current Blues youngster Kurt Zouma, as he plans for a future defensive partnership capable of dominating for years to come.