Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to sealing the transfer of Real Madrid defender and Manchester United target Raphael Varane.
The France international has been a world class performer at the Bernabeu for many years, but is now approaching the final year of his contract.
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This looks set to put Real Madrid under pressure to sell Varane in the summer, and reports claim Chelsea are now leading Man Utd in the race for his signature.
The Blues could do with strengthening in defence, with Varane perhaps an ideal signing to give Thomas Tuchel a boost next season.
The German tactician has inherited a struggling side at Stamford Bridge, but has worked wonders so far to turn things around for the club since replacing Frank Lampard.
There’s still room for someone like Varane to come in as an upgrade on unconvincing performers like Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma, however.
The 27-year-old would also be an important addition at Old Trafford, but it now looks like Chelsea are in pole position after stepping up their pursuit of the player.