Sergio Ramos Chelsea Transfer Talks Reported as Real Madrid Exit Rumours Grow

Chelsea have "made contact" with Sergio Ramos' agent, according to Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express.

The Real Madrid defender is said to have turned down Los Blancos' first offer of a contract extension and is looking to keep his "options open."

Although Manchester United and Arsenal's alleged interest is also reported, the aforementioned article suggests it is Jose Mourinho's Blues who have made contact over a "summer switch."

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Chelsea's defensive power has deteriorated in recent weeks. This is best summed up by the dithering performances of Gary Cahill, who is usually a reliable colossus at the heart of the team's defence.

He was dropped in favour of youngster Kurt Zouma for Tuesday's Capital One Cup semi-final win against Liverpool, a player whose added speed could make him vital alongside John Terry for the remainder of the season.

Ramos is an all-round defender, and he has power and pace at his disposal. He's a ball-player and offers aerial threat from set pieces, and he previously enjoyed a La Liga-winning relationship with Mourinho at the Bernabeu.

The defender's contract expires in 2017, so Madrid will need him to ink a new deal soon or risk losing the potentially costly star for a lesser price. He has always appeared suitable for the Premier League and has the natural confidence to walk straight into a leading role at Stamford Bridge.

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It will certainly be interesting to see which centre-back Mourinho picks to partner Terry during Saturday's Premier League showdown against Manchester City. A third successive start for Zouma—who came into the side after Raheem Sterling waltzed through Gary Cahill during the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final—would offer quite a comment on where these players are at.

Indeed, Cahill would unlikely be pleased to sit out arguably Chelsea's most important Premier League game of the season. Simon Peach of the Press Association believes Zouma has the potential to be a star, however:

B/R UK's Garry Hayes recently considered other stars who could improve Chelsea's chances of success this season:

Ramos' arrival could slow Zouma's development and push Cahill through the door. An awful lot has to happen for this to be considered likely, but the longer the Spaniard takes to decide on his future, the more intense reports will become.

Mourinho knows Ramos well—he's a player who has the quality to improve any side—but it would be extremely harsh to not see Cahill reinstated soon. The Englishman is rightfully recognised as one of the division's most battle-ready defenders and isn't the type to lose confidence after some time spent on the bench, even if Zouma is beginning to suggest he could become a regular Chelsea starter.