Real Madrid’s desire to sign Thibaut Courtois has seen Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ask for Raphael Varane in return, according to Daily Express.
The reigning European champions are currently preparing themselves for the exit of Iker Casillas, who is expected to call time on his lengthy career with the club.
David De Gea of Manchester United has been heavily tipped to move back to the Spanish capital and join Los Blancos but negotiations between him and the English club over a new contract are prolonging such talk with Madrid.
Whilst the former Atletico Madrid stopper continues to be at the top of Carlo Ancelotti’s list of summer recruits; Madrid have made a back-up plan, should they fail to convince the Spanish international.
That back-up plan is Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois, who also featured for cross-city rivals Atletico, but has since returned to Stamford Bridge and is currently helping the Blues maintain their impressive lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Reports in both England and Spain claim that initial contact has been made but that Chelsea are unwilling to negotiate any such deal unless they receive French defender Raphael Varane as part of the deal.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer of the centre back and is keen to see him replace John Terry, who is edging towards his final playing days.
Varane has struggled to gain playing time under Ancelotti this season and would seemingly be interested in linking up with Mourinho once more.