Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Real Madrid star

Chelsea could compete with Manchester United in the race to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane this summer.

The 27-year-old has been with Los Blancos for the past decade, and he has turned out 355 times for them in all competitions.

He has remained an undisputed starter when fit, but the club are bracing for his departure with no breakthrough in contract talks.

Varane's current deal expires in 14 months' time, and Los Blancos could consider his sale amid the contract standoff.

United have already been credited with an interest in the 2018 World Cup winner, who is valued at £60m by Zinedine Zidane's side.

The Blues appear set to offer stiff competition with manager Tuchel Tuchel being a huge admirer of the Frenchman's talents.

Tuchel has previously said that he is content with the squad, but the hierarchy are likely to back him with funds this summer.

An elite centre-back could be a priority with Thiago Silva only expected to act as a stop-gap option at the age of nearly 37.