Real Madrid Transfer News: Raphael Varane, Javier Hernandez Exit Rumours

Real Madrid face a tough decision with highly regarded young centre-back Raphael Varane. It's a choice Premier League leaders Chelsea are going to force Los Blancos to make sooner rather than later.

Apparently, the Blues will tempt Los Merengues with a £35 million offer in the summer. That's according to Daily Express reporter Tony Banks.

He states Chelsea even came close to signing Varane during the winter window. Banks adds Los Blancos' demands over the total transfer package scuppered the move.

However, Blues boss Jose Mourinho is a noted admirer of 21-year-old Varane. That's seemingly not a view shared by current Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti.

The veteran Italian coach has consistently preferred to rely on the experience of rugged pairing Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Ancelotti even regards the latter as "a long way above" Varane, according to Marca reporters Jose Luis Calderon and Jose Felix Diaz.

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Varane didn't do much to change Ancelotti's mind during his latest outing for Madrid. The quick and combative Frenchman looked lost during Real's 4-0 derby thumping at the hands of neighbours Atletico Madrid.

But if Varane isn't valued in the Spanish capital, he certainly would be at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho gave him his start during his time as Madrid chief and has an obvious need for him again.

Veteran skipper John Terry is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, while Mourinho has wisely ditched the clumsy Gary Cahill. Young French international Kurt Zouma has received more chances in Cahill's absence.

But what the Blues really need is a rock for the future. Varane could answer that need, provided Madrid are willing to sell.

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The issue may not be as clear-cut as it seems. After all, both Pepe and Ramos face uncertain futures.

The former has emerged as a transfer target for Chelsea's Premier League rivals Manchester City, per Manchester Evening News reporter Anthony Jepson. Meanwhile, Ramos' current deal runs out in 2017, but Ancelotti still considers him "essential," according to Marca writer Ruben Jimenez.

Even if Ancelotti believes Varane still has room to grow, it may be too risky to offload him while Ramos and Pepe's respective situations remain unresolved. There's also the small matter of Varane signing a new deal of his own back in September, one slated to run until 2020.

One player whose future Real cannot control is on-loan striker Javier Hernandez. The Manchester United attacker hasn't made the grade in the Spanish capital and now seems surplus to requirements at two clubs.

But Hernandez still isn't short of suitors, according to Daily Star reporter Jamie Anderson. He states as many as six clubs, including Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, are keen on the Mexico international.

Few can dispute his talent in front of goal. Hernandez is a cat-quick poacher who rarely wastes a chance.

But his career has certainly stalled since he helped United win a league title in the 2010/11 season. A temporary move to Madrid was supposed to cure his ills.

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However, the 26-year-old has started just one La Liga match for Los Blancos, per WhoScored.com. Now the 10-time European Cup winners are ready to part ways.

Ancelotti's squad certainly won't miss Hernandez. But it could be a different story with Varane.

His potential and ability are obvious. They may too good to give up on just yet, especially with question marks over Madrid's established pairing.