Real Madrid's Raphael Varane Considering Chelsea Move After Jose Mourinho Approach

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is reportedly considering reuniting with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea this summer after the impressive partnership forged by Pepe and Sergio Ramos has drastically reduced his playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 21-year-old defender joined the La Liga side in the summer of 2011 after Los Blancos paid £8m to Lens to secure his services. Although he was largely recognised as one for the future he swiftly became a pivotal starter under Mourinho who preferred him ahead of Ramos and Pepe.

However, a long-term knee injury he suffered at the beginning of the season saw him side-lined until Christmas, during which time Pepe and Ramos excelled, leaving Varane unable to recover his spot in the Real Madrid line-up under Carlo Ancelotti.

As a result, Varane has since only started six La Liga games for Real Madrid while he has missed crucial matches such as the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and both Champions League semi-final legs against Bayern Munich.

Varane believes that his situation is unlikely to change soon and according to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial he is considering a move to Stamford Bridge after Mourinho made it known to Varane's representatives that he would like him at Chelsea next season.

The Blues have already signed centre-back Kurt Zouma, who will link up with the club this summer, in the January transfer window but with John Terry coming to the end of his career the Portuguese boss may also want Varane as his long-term replacement.

Earlier this season, the Chelsea boss didn't hide his admiration for Varane, including him in the top three young players he expects to light up this summer's 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.