The Frenchman Raphael Varane has huge potential but has been given very limited playing opportunities at Madrid this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti prefers Sergio Ramos and Pepe as his first-choice central defensive pairing.

The 21-year-old Varane therefore could be offloaded by Ancelotti during the January transfer window, according to the Express. There will be no shortage of suitors for Varane due to his obvious potential but all clubs will have to fork out at least £19 million for the defender’s services.

Varane made his name at The Bernabeu under the tutelage of then Madrid coach Jose Mourinho and he may be reunited with the Portuguese. Chelsea have been linked with the France international and Mourinho is ready to buy him for the second time and bring him to Stamford Bridge in January which would be a major coup but you expect nothing less from the Boss.