Chelsea 'identify Diego Godin' as alternative to first-choice summer target Raphael Varane

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has identified Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin as an alternative to Raphael Varane should Real Madrid refused to negotiate the departure of the France international centre-back.

Even though John Terry recently signed a new deal to commit his future to Stamford Bridge for a further season, Mourinho has earmarked the signing of a long-term replacement of the veteran defender as one of the priorities of the summer transfer window.

And having already signed Varane from Lens when he was managing Real Madrid, the Portuguese boss has never hidden his admiration for the France starlet.

He claimed the Real Madrid star is one of the best young defenders around the world, alongside Chelsea starlet Kurt Zouma, while in 2014 he included him in the top three young players to light up the 2014 World Cup.

"Hazard, Neymar and Rafa Varane. I think he is the best young central defender in the world. Already I think he's the best," Mourinho said.

Reports have since claimed the Chelsea boss would love to reunited with Varane at Stamford Bridge but the Mirror says the Blues are considering turning their attention to Godin should the Spanish giants resist the attempts of the Blues to sign the Portuguese boss's favourite.

Godin, 29, is the leader of Diego Simeone's Atletico side and has been a crucial asset in the club's recent success, even scoring the crucial goal against Barcelona in the final game of last season that helped them clinch the La Liga title.

Reports in Spain in the summer of 2014 suggested Mourinho tried to sign him when the Blues lured his teammates Diego Costa and Filipe Luis to the west London club but Atletico refused to negotiate over the Uruguay international's departure.

It looks unlikely that the Spanish giants will change their mind regarding a sale this summer but, as Chelsea did to sign Costa, the Blues may consider matching his £28.5m ($42.5m) release clause to secure his services.

Godin is rated as one of the best centre-backs around the world and has also reportedly been on the radar of Manchester United since manager Louis van Gaal arrived at Old Trafford.