Chelsea handed boost in pursuit of Varane

Premier League leaders Chelsea could be making a fresh assault on Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to Sunday People.

It is no secret that Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the French centre-back and he has been waiting for a perfect opportunity to try and lure him to Stamford Bridge.

The long wait could prove to be well worth it as the latest reports suggest Varane is growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of first team opportunities at Santiago Bernabeu.

With his rival for a starting berth Pepe reportedly set to sign a new deal until June 2018, the Frenchman may request to leave los Blancos in search of first team football.

And even if Real would require at least £22 million for the highly rated footballer, it looks as though Chelsea stand a good chance of ending their long pursuit successfully next summer.

Varane, 21, is considered by many as one of world’s most talented centre-backs and he is already in his fourth season at Real Madrid.