Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Raphael Varane, Lionel Messi, Marco Reus Rumours

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has rubbished rumours which suggest the German champions wish to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, providing Chelsea with a potential boost in the hunt for the defender's signature.

Manager Jose Mourinho outlined Varane as the "best young defender in the world" back in 2014, as reported by The Sun (via Elliott Bretland of the Mail Online). Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be linked with the Frenchman, but claims from Spanish publication Marca recently outlined Bayern as favourites, per Charles Perrin of the Daily Express. 

Guardiola has dismissed such reports, as noted by Alec Fenn of Goal.com: "This paper also wrote that Sevilla's sporting director will come instead of Matthias Sammer, and Sammer extended his contract. Marca don't have my number, maybe they have Jorge Mendes' (Varane's agent) number. Of course that's wrong."

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Mourinho isn't expected to spend heavily, if at all, during the January transfer window. Guardiola's comments and Varane's lack of playing time—he has registered just 1,004 minutes worth of football across 15 La Liga and Champions League appearances, per WhoScored.com—could prompt a potential buyer into action.

Chelsea continue to be linked with unlikely moves for top stars. Although a bid for Varane is possible in the future, speculation suggesting Lionel Messi could head to Stamford Bridge has been firmly shot down by the Barcelona maestro.

Messi was dropped prior to Barca's defeat against Real Sociedad and missed the following Monday's training session, an event which coincided with him following Chelsea on Instagram, as reported by Rajvir Rai of the Mail Online. Rumours automatically thrust him on a plane to London, but the Argentinian star cleared things up after scoring against Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.

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Speaking to Barca TV (h/t Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail), Messi was quoted as saying the following: "I have not laid down any conditions for me to stay at this club and neither do I have any intention of leaving. I have heard stories about my father already having spoken to Chelsea and Manchester City but it is not true."

It doesn't end there for Chelsea, however. Andre Schurrle's absence from the starting lineup has fuelled rumours from the Daily Express (via the Daily Mirror) dating back to November that Marco Reus could join from Borussia Dortmund.

Perrin believes the Blues are still interested: "Though Reus appears to be Real Madrid bound, Chelsea are looking to activate his £20 million release clause even though Manchester United and Arsenal are also keeping tabs."

A potential move for Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado is also mooted as Chelsea's title charge takes shape. B/R UK's Garry Hayes and Ryan Bailey recently discussed potential signings for Mourinho at this pivotal time:

Victory over Newcastle United, combined with City's draw against Everton, pushes the club two points clear atop the Premier League. Recent losses against the Magpies and Tottenham have led to some doubts creeping in over Chelsea's chances of landing silverware this season, but Mourinho possesses the best all-round squad in England whether he signs extra players or not.

Individuals such as Varane and Reus would certainly improve the Portuguese manager's options, but at this moment in time, things are rolling nicely. Only the most optimistic of rivals will bet against trophies heading to the club by the end of the campaign, even if owner Roman Abramovich keeps his cash to himself this winter.