Chelsea Transfer News: Rumours on Raphael Varane, Cristian Manea

Real Madrid's Pepe is reportedly ready to sign a new deal, launching a fresh wave of transfer rumours linking Raphael Varane with a move to Chelsea.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, a lack of consistent playing time and the prospect of little change in the future could lead to the young centre-back demanding a move to the British capital to play under former manager and longtime admirer Jose Mourinho:

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Centre half Pepe, 32, has been offered a deal until 2017, he wants an extra 12 months but it now seems certain that he will stay in Madrid despite attracting interest from both Manchester clubs in the past.

But that may only increase the likelihood of French centre-half Varane—who is Jose Mourinho's number one defensive target—of becoming more frustrated as he battles with Pepe and Sergio Ramos for places.

Chelsea want long term successor for John Terry even though their captain is set to be given a new 12-month extension.

Mourinho also has Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma but wants another top signing as his summer priority this year.

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Cross cites a potential transfer fee of over £40 million, a steep price to pay for a young defender. The Frenchman's tremendous potential would make him well worth such a big investment, however.

Marca's Jose Felix Diaz and Miguel Serrano reports Pepe's new deal is "just a matter of time," and as shared by the newspaper's Twitter feed, that means the 21-year-old Varane will remain third choice behind the Portugal international and club icon Sergio Ramos:

The concept of Varane leaving Madrid sounded ridiculous six months ago, but even the Spanish media are starting to take note of the fact the France international simply isn't playing as much as he should—and probably wants.

Niggling injuries haven't helped, but manager Carlo Ancelotti believes in his current central duo, and they've yet to let him down. Things seem unlikely to change, and Varane simply needs minutes to continue his development and grow into the top defender he seems set to become.

The Blues don't necessarily need another centre-back, with John Terry still going strong, Gary Cahill putting together another solid season and Kurt Zouma emerging as one of the world's top young options at the position. Via Fox Soccer, Mourinho sees the Frenchman as a potential heir to Terry's armband:

A partnership of Zouma and Varane has the potential to be the best on the planet in a couple of years, and with Terry slowly edging toward retirement, adding the Real man now would be a fantastic move with the future in mind.

Cahill is nearing 30 himself, and while youngster Tomas Kalas has showed plenty of promise during his loan spells with Vitesse and Middlesbrough, the Czech's potential pales when compared to Varane. As a third option, Kalas would be perfect.

Demand for his signature will be high should Varane be on the move in the summer, but the connection with Mourinho gives the Blues an advantage over the competition. For a side with few clear needs, Varane would be a smart investment as the top summer addition.

According to the Daily Mail's Simon Jones, Chelsea have already started on adding youth to the back line. He reports Romania international Cristian Manea is on his way to Stamford Bridge, after the Blues came to an agreement with his current club, Viitorul Constanta:

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Chelsea have agreed terms on £2.3million deal for Romanian teenage right back Cristian Manea.

The 17-year-old, who plays for Viitorul Constanta, has already made his debut for the national side when he played against Albania last May.

Manea doesn't turn 18 until August but Chelsea have moved quickly to secure him after interest from Arsenal, Ajax and Udinese.

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The teenager was linked with a move to Chelsea last September, per Jones, making a name for himself as one of Romania's top young talents under the guidance of football legend Gheorghe Hagi.

Manea is yet to officially sign for the club and can't do so until the transfer window opens, but it looks as if the deal is all but completed.

The 17-year-old looks like a typical Chelsea signing: He's young, very talented and plays with an eagerness Mourinho likes from his full-backs. The chances he'll be a member of the senior squad anytime soon are minor at best, but he makes for a nice addition to the Blues' army of youngsters out on loan.

Bleacher Report UK had to make this joke:

In all seriousness, it never hurts to add young talent. Manea is a player the Blues have been trying to sign since September, according to Jones, so you know the club have done their homework and the full-back did enough since then to warrant the move.

With Arsenal and Ajax reportedly also interested, Chelsea will do well to secure the youngster now before any of the other top clubs get seriously involved.

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