Madrid starlet Varane set for Mourinho reunion at Chelsea?

Real Madrid’s French centre back Raphael Varane has a £25m release clause, and with uncertainty over the futures of current Blues players John Terry and David Luiz, Chelsea will be very tempted to get his signature.

Spanish reports suggest that Jose Mourinho remains a big fan of the 20-year-old, and having already snapped up fellow French defender Kurt Zouma, 19, from Saint Etienne, the future looks promising for the Premier League title second-favourites (6/4).

Varane recently stated his desire to remain at Madrid, but also had kind words to say about his former manager.

“I’m only young and haven’t had many coaches, which means it’s difficult for me to make comparisons, but I’d say it’s [Mourinho’s] personality and charisma, which were felt by the whole team,” he said.

“He’s a winner, a competitor, and he transmits that to his players. Wherever he’s gone he’s always created combative teams with lots of character.

“He told me that I’d have my chance to play and that I was going to find out about myself and get to know myself better.

“Mourinho kept his word. In the two years I played for him he always kept his word, and he also knew when to throw me in at the right time.”

Currently, Varane is backup to experienced duo Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the heart of Madrid’s defence, but injuries have taken its toll on the youngster, and he is finding it increasingly difficult to break into the first team.

Last season looked promising for Varane, with Mourinho opting to play him regularly in their Champions League run to the semi-finals. He played in all but one of their Copa del Rey games last term, but missed the final – a defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid – due to injury.

Varane’s outings this season have been limited because of knee troubles, with him making just eight appearances in all competitions. Touted as a future star, he already has four caps for his country, so expect there to be a bidding war at the end of the season.

Manchester United and Arsenal are also rumoured to be in the hunt for Varane this summer.