Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Raphael Varane and Gareth Bale Rumours

Real Madrid could lose two of their biggest stars before the summer transfer window shuts—with rumours Chelsea want Raphael Varane, and Manchester United desire Gareth Bale.

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail wrote Blues boss Jose Mourinho is in a rush to strengthen his defence before the transfer deadline, and he wants Varane to replace John Terry at the heart of his back four. Mokbel says the Special One has enquired about the Frenchman's availability, as he also pursues Everton's John Stones. 

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Varane has often played second fiddle to Sergio Ramos and Pepe in the Los Blancos defence over the years, but the instillation of new manager Rafael Benitez might change that. 

COPE believe Benitez will make Varane his first choice, thawing Chelsea's chances of signing the player, as cited by SocialRMadrid:

"

COPE | Pepe is 100% fit but won't start the game because Benitez prefers to start with Varane instead. pic.twitter.com/8SfjyNysgb

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) August 22, 2015"

Varane is one of the great young defensive talents in world football, and it would be unthinkable for Madrid to allow him to leave at this juncture. The Frenchman has been a part of the first-team squad since 2011, appearing 39 times for the Galacticos in La Liga and the Champions League last term, per WhoScored.com.

Benitez is very focused on defensive matters and he will not allow a player of Varane's quality slip through his fingers, especially with the prospect of strengthening one of Madrid's primary European competitors. 

However, football writer Rob Beasley sees Varane as the answer to Chelsea's defensive issues, and has urged Mourinho to buy the player ahead of Stones:

"

I wouldn't even pay £25m for Stones. I'd pay it for Varane.

— ROB (@1RobBeasley) August 18, 2015"

Per Alex Harris of the Daily Star, Chelsea were linked with Varane at the end of last season, but the defender moved quickly to dismiss a reunion with former boss Mourinho: "I am focused on our season and we are going to give everything to win it all. I am happy here."

United Want To Exploit Bale Situation 

As the Premier League champions explore the chances of grabbing a Galactico, Manchester United have ambitions of bringing Gareth Bale back to the English top-flight. 

Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Mirror) reports Louis van Gaal has made Bale his top priority as the player's popularity at the Bernabeu wanes. 

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Bates wrote: "Bale was hounded by Madrid fans on and off the pitch last season. Any more negativity towards the 26-year-old may lead the club's powerful president Florentino Perez to re-think his stance on the former Tottenham star's future. United have consistently kept Bale on their radar this summer."

United are said to be prepared to break the world record to capture the Welshman, trumping the fee Madrid paid Tottenham Hotspur to sign the winger two years ago, per Bates.

Bale has been made a scapegoat for much of Madrid's failings last year, and an AS poll among Madridistas now places the attacker as the first-team's least favourite player, as shared by the Daily Mail:

"

Gareth Bale the LEAST popular choice among fans for Real Madrid's first XI http://t.co/xjXCtE9uyr pic.twitter.com/ujXuZN3n6O

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) August 22, 2015"

The world-record transfer fee on Bale's head will always weigh heavily on the player while he remains a Madrid player, and only a sudden upturn in form will see him given a new deal by Perez in the years to come.

If that is not forthcoming, the president is likely to cash in on the attacker, with United being a suitable team to do business with.

However, Bale is unlikely to be thrust through the revolving door at the Bernabeu just yet, but if the boo boys get their way in the Spanish capital, he might fancy a move back to England—where his talents will be appreciated much more.