Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is
interested in bringing Raphael Varane to the club, according to the latest
reports in Germany.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid defender has been heavily linked
with fellow Premier League club Manchester United, but Chelsea are prepared to
rival United for the Frenchman’s signature.
That’s according to Christian Falk of German outlet BILD who
claims Tuchel is keen on signing Varane at Chelsea.
The Blues are on the search for a new cente-half this summer
– Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde and Niklas Sule are three names said to be on
their summer transfer shortlist.
Varane’s contract at the Bernabeu
expires next year and he has yet to agree a fresh deal which could see him
depart in the summer so the Galacticos avoid losing him for free.
He is reportedly rated in the region of £60m, a fair price
for a defender who has won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
Reports in Spain have suggested the Red Devils are in ‘very
advanced’ talks with Raphael, with manager Zinedine Zidane giving his blessing
after ‘softening to the idea’ of letting his player leave.
Meantime, discussions are set to take place soon between
Thomas and the Chelsea hierarchy regarding their summer recruitment plans as
the club look to close the gap next season to mount a PL title charge.
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