Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Charlie Austin and Raphael Varane Rumours

The way is reportedly clear for Chelsea to sign Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin.

According to the Telegraph, the Daily Express reported Austin as a Chelsea target, and with Oliver Todd of the Daily Mail reporting that Crystal Palace have ended their interest—likely unwilling to match the Englishman's £15 million price tag—the Blues will have little competition for his signature.

The centre-forward was a highlight in an otherwise abject campaign for Rangers as they slipped out of the Premier League, scoring 18 goals and grabbing seven assists.

WhoScored.com illustrates the 26-year-old's incredible contribution to his side, as well as his strength in the air:

Here are some of the striker's highlights from the incredible season:

Austin has continued his exploits, having already scored four and assisted one in four appearances this season.

According to Sky Sports, Blues manager Jose Mourinho is content with the current state of his squad but would welcome another addition: "I have a good squad. I'm happy with the squad I have. If I get another player before the end of the market, good. If I don't get, we go with what we have."

The striker would likely do well at Stamford Bridge, surrounded by team-mates who are able to create far more chances for him and with much better delivery. Further, he would likely prove a more prolific option than Radamel Falcao or Loic Remy.

Nevertheless, Chelsea are unlikely to seriously pursue Austin, despite being able to comfortably afford his sizeable fee.

The arrival of Pedro gives the Blues a wealth of forward options, as the winger is versatile enough to play centrally up front should Diego Costa be absent.

Where Chelsea are far more likely to recruit is at the back.

The Blues boasted the meanest defence in the Premier League last season, but have already conceded eight goals in their opening three matches, with veterans John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic looking unusually vulnerable.

According to David Wright of the Express, "Mourinho is keen on either Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane or Ezequiel Garay of Zenit St Petersburg as possible alternatives for John Stones."

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Varane has often seen his path to Real Madrid's starting XI blocked by Pepe and Sergio Ramos, while Chelsea offer a significant upgrade on Zenit so Garay would likely be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Jonas Giaever believes 22-year-old Varane has an outstanding future ahead of him and highlights Garay's admirable commitment to the cause:

The Blues are highly unlikely to land the Frenchman though, with little time left for Real to sign a replacement. The youngster has grown in stature within the team. He made 27 La Liga appearances last season and 12 in the Champions League, and he started Los Blancos' opening day draw with Sporting Gijon.

Garay is a more realistic target, with the likes of Nicolas Lombaerts, Luis Neto, Domenico Criscito and Javi Garcia all capable of filling in for the Argentinian.

He is still a key performer for the Russian side though, so a large bid would be required to prise him away from Zenit.

If Chelsea are successful in recruiting another centre-back, the pressure will really be on Terry to show that reports of his demise were premature.

The skipper still has much to bring to the table on and off the field, though, so don't be surprised if he returns to the excellent form he displayed last year.