Chelsea Transfer News: Raphael Varane PSG Rumours Dent Blues and United Hopes

Paris Saint-Germain are "preparing a move" for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, according to Bruce Archer of the Daily Express, who suggests the French side will trump Chelsea and Manchester United to his services.

Archer reports Varane is "top of Laurent Blanc's wish list," a feeling perhaps echoed by other clubs that have watched the youngster struggle for matches behind Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

"For me Raphael Varane is the prototype of central defender I want on my team," Blanc is reported to have said, per Archer. "He has the technique that lets you project forward, in addition to its excellent defensive work."

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Mourinho hinted the same in March 2014, outlining Varane as "the best young central defender in the world," per Yahoo (h/t Sky Sports). He reaffirmed this in February, saying emerging Chelsea star Kurt Zouma deserves to be recognised alongside the player he signed for Madrid, reported by Rhys Turrell of the Daily Star:

"

The French Football Federation should write me a letter of thanks because they have two of the best young defenders in the world. As young defenders, can you imagine what Zouma and Varane will represent in football in the next couple of years? I’m sure Didier (Deschamps, head coach of the French national team) is very happy.

"

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PSG possess one the world's other top young centre-backs in Marquinhos, a player who could forge an excellent partnership with Varane. Of course, Thiago Silva and David Luiz also play for the club, so Blanc isn't without quality.

Varane's situation at Madrid is a curious one. Jose Felix Diaz of Marca recently reported it's "just a matter of time" before Los Blancos offer Pepe a contract extension, suggesting he is likely to continue his first-team partnership with Ramos. Ruben Jimenez of the same publication indicates Varane "remains third choice" for Carlo Ancelotti, a situation that will consistently see him linked with an exit.

The 21-year-old has played more games than he could expect this season, racking up 31 appearances across all competitions, according to Jimenez. Pepe and Ramos' recent absences have certainly provided him with greater playing time, which we can expect to see cut when both are fit.

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Varane previously suggested this isn't a problem. "I am happy, the team is at 100 percent and my contract runs until 2020," he said, per Madrid's official website. "I'm at ease. When I'm called on to play, I want to do my best."

Mourinho has pushed Zouma into first-team matters across the last couple of months, giving him responsibility in key matches against Manchester City and Liverpool. He utilised the hulking starlet in midfield for the Capital One Cup final victory over Tottenham, a decision that yielded an impressive return, per Sky Sports:

Varane would likely receive such careful treatment under Mourinho's gaze at Chelsea—he is keen to give youngsters a role which emphasises their qualities—if he can be lured from Madrid.

PSG's reported interest should be taken seriously, as they possess the funds and silverware potential to interest most players. Chelsea continue to improve and have one of European football's most complete squads, but Varane would certainly represent another step along Mourinho's quest to dominate English football in the coming years.