Raphael Varane is one of the top defenders in the world. (imago Images)
According to Spanish publication MARCA (h/t Metro), Chelsea have registered their interest in Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who is close to signing for Manchester United.
Varane, in his ten-year stint with Real Madrid, has grown into one of the best central defenders in the world. However, the Frenchman is said to be closing in on an exit from the Spanish capital this summer as he enters the final year of his contract. A report from Onda Cero (h/t Metro) insists that Manchester United are in talks to sign the Frenchman.
The report further indicates that the negotiations are very much in advanced stages between Manchester United and Real Madrid, with a €50m agreement set to be arrived upon imminently. However, there may be a late hitch in the proceedings, as Chelsea have launched an attempt to hijack Varane’s move to United.
Indeed, the Blues are said to have made a late move for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is in the market looking for defensive reinforcements despite having a number of options at his disposal already.
However, given the advancing ages of Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta, adding another centre-half would make sense, especially if the German intends to continue with the three-man defensive setup.
To that end, Chelsea have been linked with numerous centre-backs including Jules Kounde and Maxence Lacroix, with an attempt to hijack Varane’s transfer also being made now. However, the Blues are unlikely to taste any success in their late swoop, with the 28-year-old Frenchman expected to complete his transfer to Old Trafford. (h/t Metro)
Chelsea do need a new defender this summer, and Varane would have been a top-class addition. But a move to Manchester United seemingly imminent, the Blues will have to look elsewhere to bolster their centre-back department.
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