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

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has jumped to the defence of forward Gareth Bale, ridiculing the media for their constant criticism of the Wales international.

Bale, who has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United, per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney, isn't particularly popular with the media or fans. The latter are asking Benitez to drop the 26-year-old in a recent poll conducted by AS (h/t ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan).

But as reported by Corrigan, Benitez is not impressed with the constant shots pundits are taking at his player:

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I understand there are media outlets that need to have some news. But it seems now that a fast player, with a good shot and with a good head for the game, is a problem.

It is something [sensational] to have Cristiano, [Karim] Benzema, Isco, James, Bale... That these debates happen after every game surprises me. I still think [Bale] is a great player, just like James and Isco.

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The former Tottenham Hotspur star regressed in his second season with Los Blancos after an impressive start to his career with Real. In his first season in the Spanish capital, he scored 15 goals and added 12 assists in 24 La Liga starts, via WhoScored.com.

His numbers dipped in 2014-15, as Real came crashing down to earth after a strong start to the season, ending the campaign with no silverware. And with stars like Isco and James Rodriguez seemingly behind the Welshman in the pecking order, fans were quick to lay the blame at Bale's feet.

A winger by trade, Bale has seen the bulk of his minutes in a more central role so far this season, and he has struggled with adapting.

Real have had a slow start to the season, and the press have responded in kind, per Corrigan:

Criticism comes with the territory of being one of the world's best―and most expensive―players, and despite the setbacks of last year, Bale is yet to give any indication he's not happy in Madrid. A transfer remains highly unlikely at this point, especially this close to the end of the transfer window.

There's no denying 2015-16 will be a vital season for both Bale and Benitez.

The latter will have to improve on Carlo Ancelotti's final campaign in charge of the club or his tenure as manager might be brief.

Bale needs to show he's still one of the world's most feared forwards, and if his season plays out similarly to the 2014-15 campaign, a transfer will become a realistic proposition. But for now, don't expect the Welshman to go anywhere, and don't expect him to be dropped from the starting XI, either.

Chelsea Turn to Raphael Varane

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Transfer rumours linking Chelsea with a move for Raphael Varane have been around ever since Blues manager Jose Mourinho moved from the Bernabeu to west London, and following the news that Everton will not sell John Stones to their Premier League rivals, they've started to surface once again.

According to the Daily Mirror's Darren Lewis, the Blues have already turned their attention to other options, and the Daily Star's Marc Williams immediately added two names to the mix: Varane and Ezequiel Garay of Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Varane has emerged as one of the world's best young defenders in the world in the last couple of seasons, but he continues to struggle with breaking down the partnership of Sergio Ramos and Pepe.

His development appeared to slow down last season, as he started making uncharacteristic mistakes when he did get the chance to play.

He's expected to play a big role for France in Euro 2016 and needs consistent minutes to both find his form and continue his growth, and those may be tough to find in the Spanish capital.

But similarly to Bale, Varane is yet to give any indication he wants to leave, and as the primary backup behind Pepe and Ramos, there's no reason to believe he won't see the pitch in 2015-16. He's far too talented to be sold at this point in time, and unless Chelsea's offer borders on ridiculous, Benitez won't even consider a sale.

Real's depth at the position is relatively limited, compared to their embarrassment of riches in midfield and attack. Chelsea can try as they might, but Varane isn't going anywhere.

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