The Blues are keen on signing Madrid’s Varane.
Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea as manager Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with the youngster, according to Spanish daily Marca.
The 21-year-old has been greatly impressing at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu ever since Mourinho signed the Frenchman for Los Blancos from Lens in 2011.
Initially it was Zinedine Zidane that first spotted the potential of Varane, but after Madrid signed the defender for £8.2m it was the Portuguese coach that gave him his chance in the Spanish capital.
Despite his relatively young age the France international was soon being picked in the starting XI ahead of more established stars Pepe and Sergio Ramos and confirmed himself as a fans favourite after scoring in both legs of the 2012/13 Copa del Rey semi-final against rivals Barcelona.
Varane has a contract with Madrid until 2017, but it’s understood Mourinho has told the Blues directors that the starlet is one of his main transfer targets this summer.
It’s expected to be a busy close season for business at Stamford Bridge after a relatively disappointing return to English football for the 51-year-old.
The west Londoners were eliminated from the Champions League in the semi-finals on Wednesday, losing 1-3 to Atletico Madrid, and they are expected to finish third in the Premier League.
It means that Mourinho will end his first year back in England with no trophies – something that didn’t happen during his three previous years at the Bridge between 2004 and 2007.
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