Varane To Consider Real Madrid Exit Amid Chelsea Interest

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane is considering a move away this summer if manager Carlo Ancelotti doesn't guarantee him a starting role at the Santiago Bernabeu, reports in Spain claim.

The centre-back struggled with a long-term knee injury during the first part of last season but once he returned to action he saw his appearances diminished by the impressive partnership forged by Pepe and Sergio Ramos.

The French international has proved during the World Cup that his knee is fully recovered and according to Marca he is now considering a move if Ancelotti doesn't give him a starting role ahead of Pepe or Ramos as Jose Mourinho did during his tenure in La Liga.

Indeed, the current Chelsea boss gave Varane a leading role at Real Madrid following his £8m move from Lille in 2011– even though he was expected to be just a back-up player in his first few years in Spain.

Marca claims that Chelsea are now closely monitoring the situation, while other Premier League clubs and as well some Ligue 1 sides will quickly start circling Varane if he becomes available.

Last season the Chelsea boss hinted at his admiration for Varane by including him in the top three young players he expected to light up the 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.

The Blues sold David Luiz to Paris Saint Germain earlier this summer and even though they signed youngster Kurt Zouma in January they still need a fourth centre-back to understudy John Terry and Gary Cahill.

Real Madrid are unlikely to negotiate Varane's departure but are reportedly concerned about the player's reluctance to commit his future to the club.

Recent reports claimed Los Blancos are alreay tracking Real Sociedad defender Iñigo Martinez as a back-up option in case the French international eventually decides to force his exit.