Chelsea transfer news: Benitez blocks Mourinho's move for Raphael Varane | London Evening Standard

Chelsea transfer news: Benitez blocks Mourinho's move for Raphael VaraneBlues forced into rethink over defensive targets

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No exit: Benitez has made Varane central to his plans at Real MadridGetty

Chelsea are having to reconsider their summer transfer targets after new Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez promised to make Raphael Varane a key part of his plans.

The France international defender has always been Jose Mourinho’s first choice to strengthen his backline but Varane looks certain to remain at the Bernabeu.

The 22-year-old had grown frustrated behind first-choice central defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos under previous coach Carlo Ancelotti.

While Madrid were always determined to hold on to such a prized asset, his situation gave Chelsea hope that a deal could be done.

But Benitez has closed the door on any potential transfer to the club he briefly managed in the 2012-13 season by reassuring Varane he will be picked on a regular basis.

Chelsea have a number of contingency plans, including Atletico Madrid’s Toby Alderweireld, who impressed on loan at Southampton this season.

Real deal: Rafa Benitez was appointed manager of the Spanish giants earlier this monthGetty

Southampton have an option to buy the 26-year-old for £6.8million and he is keen to stay in the Premier League.

But Atletico can buy out that clause for £1.5m and choose to sell him elsewhere for a higher fee instead. The Spaniards want to re-sign Filipe Luis from Chelsea having sold him for £16m a year ago, which will help negotiations.

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The Blues are also looking at talented youngsters Samuel Umtiti and Abdul Baba Rahman at Lyon and Augsberg respectively.

Another centre-half earmarked as a possible long-term successor to John Terry is Everton’s John Stones but he is more likely to be pursued next year due to the impressive form of the veteran captain this term.

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